Believing is Seeing…

I recently received a text from a former staff member, Mike, checking in and sharing that he just watched the Santa Clause movie starring Tim Allen. He shared that, on this particular occasion, he was surprised during this reviewing of the movie. He discovered he was struck by metaphor for faith and the story of Jesus that is contained within this film. He particularly shared how he was struck by a line, “seeing isn’t believing, believing is seeing” as true wisdom toward our Christian walk and how he immediately sensed being full of hope.

I have been reflecting on this conversation and that line for a few days now. I think in this season of gifts to be bought, holiday lights to go see, decorations to put up, and food to prepare, it is good to pause and wonder about how the light of Christ and being a follower of God is impacting the way you see and live your life.

For me, I delight in the wonder in people’s eyes as they look at the Christmas tree aglow and in those moments of slowing down and a pause, I believe in the good of the world and the hope in the year ahead because of what I see. I know for me, my faith journey and belief in God has often led me to experiences where I felt unprepared, but God met me in that uncertainty and helped me to see why God believed in me. I think of the many experiences I have had where faith is something I saw; gathering with youth around a campfire, where there is just something about that bright light and the sparks that symbolize interpersonal connection; serving alongside volunteers whom I had just met the day before to build a home or fill sandbags for the coming flood. These are just a few experiences from which I am aware tangibly, visually, of my belief in God and a call to service that has helped me see the love in humanity, the gifts I have been given, and a new path forward. I think of the times I had the courage to take a leap of faith and go where God called because at my core I believed God led me to that opportunity, for when I slow down, pause, and reflect, I can see, through people and things, His guiding presence. Some things in life we see because of our belief … love, hope, joy and the mysterious ways God brings those things into something we can see with our eyes.

As we enter this last week of Advent, focusing on wonder … I invite you to pause, reflect and see with the eyes of a believer. And maybe, I suggest a movie to view with a warm bowl of popcorn and a cozy blanket.