a gift with no wrapping

Have you ever been naked in public?

Think about that. Jesus was. Perhaps you picture Him with the little cloth wrap around His waist because that's what you have always seen in pictures. Even though a picture can speak a thousand words, it doesn't mean they always speaks the truth. So picture this: picture yourself, in all your pride and self-esteem, the pride of your friends and family, and all that you are connected with and value being humiliated in sheer nakedness hung on a cross. All your most intimate details are revealed publicly in the most embarassing manner, while you struggle for breath. That. was. Christ. So often we display a cross around our neck or on our t-shirts or walls...but do we realize the depths of the pain and the importance of this picture. It was not any other day. It was the day that changed the world, and one that we seem to so often take for granted and overlook. But picture yourself in this situation and perhaps the sacrifice that was made for you will come a little bit more alive and realistic.

It's about a whole lot more than a fad, a phase, or something that people strive to impress on others. It's about a perfect sacrifice, a perfect love, and a perfect plan.

During a worship service I recently attended, the leader paused at the bridge of a common song. Without telling you what the song is, read these lyrics and think on them: 'Shine your light and let the whole world see. We're singing for the glory of the risen King.' Now read it again. We're singing--the song of our lives--is the very reflection of the glory of God...or at least it should be.

Live like every day is Easter Sunday. The part where you get all excited, put your best forth, and rejoice in the sacrifice that was made nearly 2000 years ago for your salvation. Salvation is not an annual thing, neither should the celebration and thanks for it be.

Philippians 2:1-11...check it out and ponder on these words: In our humiliation is His exaltation. In our weakness is...well I suppose it's up to you what you make of it...but oh, the possibilities.