Larry and I spent last Saturday evening at a Gala event in Chicago that raises money for Angelman Syndrome research. Three years ago this rare and severe disorder was cured — yes CURED — in a mouse model. It was recognized as the “Scientific Highlight of the Year” and all of the medical world stood amazed. It remains yet today only one of two cognitive disorders ever cured in a mouse model.
As parents of a child with Angelman Syndrome, the idea of a cure was not even on our radar when Carly was first diagnosed in November 2000. When we heard news about the ground-breaking research, we stood with other parents of children with this serious disability — AMAZED.
Another thing amazed me on Saturday night. As we have before, we met parents who are raising more than one child with this complex and overwhelming thing called Angelman Syndrome. One can only imagine the moment-by-moment challenges of a family experiencing that kind of adversity! We stood simply amazed as we listened to parents sharing about their lives in those kinds of circumstances.
The emotional reaction of amazement is deep but often fleeting. We pause momentarily to absorb the idea of something that challenges our perspective and our appreciations. Yet, most of the time, we quickly move on and forget that moment of awe and respect when something tests our ability to wrap our mind around it.
It’s the Christmas season and those moments of incredulity at the Gala got me pondering a critical question. Am I appropriately amazed by JESUS? Am I have even momentary astounded when I stop to consider what God did when He birthed His Son through a virgin and placed Him in a lowly manger for the salvation of my soul?
The shepard’s response to the news of a Savior was to exclaim, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests,” And then scripture specifically points out that they “hurried off” to find the baby. I take it they were amazed.
When the wise men saw the star, they were overjoyed and went to the house to see Emmanuel. They bowed down and worshiped the baby. Then they opened their treasures and presented Jesus with gifts. Those magi were utterly amazed.
When Simeon saw the baby and realized he was gazing upon the long-awaited Messiah, he said, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation… the glory of your people Israel.” As Simeon expressed his amazement, Mary and Joseph marveled at what he said about their son. They, too, were amazed.
With evidence of a festive season all around me I’ve decided to pause more often and consider the wonder of who Jesus is and all that He has accomplished. I want more than passing moments of wonder and amazement.
I want a LIFESTYLE of awe, gratitude and passion for the One who came to do even more than save my soul. God became man to demonstrate the greatest act of love and power that will ever be known.
He gave Jesus to ensure that I experience life to the fullest— not just for some future eternity, but also for right now.
That’s amazing!
Almighty and sovereign God, YOU are amazing!
Lord, please cause our amazement with YOU to affect EVERYTHING about how we think, feel and live! AMEN
