My mountain bike was stolen. To realise that a thief had come within a meter of my sleeping body and taken my bike with his dirty hands and dirty heart was a terrible experience.

Fortunately, the bike was insured and I was able to purchase the same model, even though this bike had already been ridden much more than mine. Still, I was grateful to have two wheels again to make sure the tyre around my belly didn’t grow too much.

A short while later, I got a call from someone who wanted to give me a big-name bike as a gift. Wow, I was so excited. The gears are among the very best and the brakes and shock absorbers are also first-rate. The wheels and frame are as light as a feather.

I still remember how it felt when I rode the bike for the first time. It felt as if I was flying. It seemed to make no sound. I floated over the bumpy road. My mouth was hanging open at the incredible technology crammed into the bike.

I rode my new bike again yesterday. It was really fun, but I realised that I got used to the amazing bike so quickly that I no longer appreciated the special technology. I don’t really see the gears and the brakes’ names anymore. I no longer notice that when I switch on the shock absorbers, I float over the rocks and holes.

We so quickly get used to what once excited us and overwhelmed us by its greatness, that it just becomes ordinary. We think it should be that way and then we downgrade it.

That’s probably how people are. That’s why we have to stop often and force ourselves to realise anew how wonderful the things are that have become so common in our lives. Like the bike.

And like Jesus’ coming to earth. Do we really realise what had happened? Do we really realise the sacrifice that God and Jesus had made? Do we really realise the impact of the cross on me and the rest of humanity?

The prophets were so excited and announced the news with great anticipation. Even the angels and other heavenly beings could not contain themselves and could not wait for this special moment to arrive.

¹²All they were told was that they were serving you, you who by orders from heaven have now heard for yourselves—through the Holy Spirit—the Message of those prophecies fulfilled. Do you realize how fortunate you are? Angels would have given anything to be in on this!

The angels would’ve given anything to have been with Jesus on earth. They were excited as they waited for Jesus to come to earth because they knew it would be the greatest event ever.

Let us stand anew in wonder at Jesus’ coming to earth so that we can get rid of the ordinariness of it in our lives. Let’s make time to look with excited eyes at this saving act of God. Then our feet will walk differently and others will want to follow us.

Scripture
1 Peter 1:10-12

Reflection
What things have become ordinary to you?
Does Jesus’ coming feel ordinary too?
So, what do you need to do differently?

Prayer
Father, protect me from ever taking Your Son’s coming to earth for granted. Help me to always be excited, to be moved, because I realise how deeply in trouble I would be if it weren’t for Jesus. I pray this in His wonderful Name. Amen.