Treasure hunt. Who doesn’t like to go on a treasure hunt from time to time? About three Christmases ago I got one of those metal detectors for a gift. Many rusty nails and useless junks of metal later, I am still hoping for a major discovery break-through! Having lived many years in Nova Scotia, I follow with interest the reality show “The Curse of Oak Island.” For well over two hundred years, treasure seekers have invested millions of dollars and plenty of time and energy in attempts to unlock its hidden secrets. Recent excavations appear at least to be unearthing some historic artifacts.
Yet at this Christmas Season, we may need to be reminded that the greatest of all treasures was discovered over 2000 years ago. Shepherds came running out of their fields and found him lying in a manger. Wise men came to Jerusalem looking for a king for “we have seen his star.” They found him – a child in Bethlehem. As the years passed they who were looking for him exclaimed we “have found the One of whom the prophets have spoken.” A group of Greeks satisfied their search when they said, “we want to see Jesus.” They were not disappointed when they met him and heard him. Zacchaeus was so curious, he ran ahead of the crowd and climbed a tree just to get a look at Jesus. His reward? Jesus visited his house and Zacchaeus came to fully believe in this special guest. Nicodemus slid away under the cover of darkness to have a roof-top talk with the Lord. His discovery? Jesus is who he claimed to be and has the power to grant new spiritual birth.
God said, “If you look for me with all your heart, you will find me.” I have discovered that my search ended when, by faith, I met Jesus. He has become to me a priceless treasure! By the way, you too are a great treasure. Thank you for being a friend of my wife, Ardith, and me throughout this year. Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year!