Day 2 It Was Good

31 Then God surveyed everything He had made, savoring its beauty and appreciating its goodness. Evening gave way to morning. That was day six. Genesis 1:31 The Voice

God surveyed and savored. As someone intimately involved in preparing Holiday Meals, I understand surveying and savoring. Today, Christopher and Megan joined us for a brunch and to put up our traditional Christmas decorations. It was a cold rainy fall day when the knock came at our door. Amid all the hellos, hugs, and jacket takings I enjoyed the comments on the smells filling the house. It was a simple brunch of a sticky-bun type of pull-apart bread, Pigs-in-blankets, and coffee. Yet, as I surveyed the set table with my available family savoring the smells emanating from the warm food, I enjoyed satisfaction and warmth, something akin to what God felt after He finished creation. Everyone that engages in creation of any type knows that feeling of pleasure when things turn out just so. We step back and relish the moment, and in some small way join the Lord in the joy of creativity. Yet, there is a tinge of bitterness in creation.

God knew that let there be light, set in motion events that would claim the life of His son. Eden presaged Bethlehem. Despite the depredations of the cross, He pressed ahead with creation. What is it about this world and His children that makes the surveying and savoring worth the journey to the manger? How can it be worth all that? Walking the path from Eden to Bethlehem, the path to the incarnation, reveals much about the Lord we worship. And often, it uncovers more and deeper questions.