A long stare at this photo hardly helps to differentiate where reality ends and reflection begins. However, there is a line of demarcation where the reflection adds to the beauty of reality.
These photos were taken within the Tortuguero National Park on the Northern Caribbean side of Costa Rica. We took a weekend trip by bus and boat to an ecolodge forever deep into a tropical humid rainforest where we stayed with monkeys and mosquitoes, which they described as "experiencing close contact with nature and surrounding habitat." About 1,000 people live in this national park and their only mode of transportation from one river village to another is by boat as there is not a single road for them to travel on. Actually, it was an unforgettable experience, especially the boat ride down one of the blackwater canals that connects the villages. It was on one of these blackwater-canal boat trips that we snapped these photos.
These reflections do not replace the jungle; they add to the reality of the jungle.
During this Christmas season, we reflect on a time more than 2,000 years ago when the King of Kings of every tribe and tongue surrendered His divine powers and became the incarnate Christ. Jesus walked on the dust and stones of the very earth that He created, and He reflected the Glory of God Himself. He did not cease to be God. In fact, He added humanity to His Deity just as the blackwater reflection adds to the reality of what already exists.
Think on this, those who humanly served with, walked with, talked with Jesus actually interacted with the reflected Glory of God Himself. Both seekers and followers literally touched the hands, feet, and even clothing of Jesus Christ centuries ago. Imagine touching the perfectly still reflection on the blackwater canal. The reflection would respond just as the reflected Glory of God, Christ Incarnate, responded when touched. His response was to change lives. He came not to "improve." No, He is the definition of radical change, which far outweighs "improvement."
The birth of Jesus Christ was the Tipping Point for mankind and the church is but one extension of His reflected glory and work. During this season, we pause to reflect on the Babe born in a manger; "God is in the midst of us and will not be moved...." This is the season to "Be still and know that I am God."(Psalm 46) This season calls us to reflect and invites us to touch the reality of Him who has existed since infinity. From the manger to the cross to His resurrection , Jesus invites us to kneel at His birth, to remember His new covenant, and to accept Him as Savior. He is the only mode of transportation from this river village to His Kingdom!
Merry Christmas to you and Happy Birthday to our Savior!
Keep Looking Up!
J:m and L:nda
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