A Lost Sense of Wonder
Modern children and young people live in a unique cultural moment, marked by a paradoxical combination of hyper-connectivity and pervasive isolation. Amidst the constant noise of social media and entertainment, it is widely reported that many young people are searching for something deeper—something transcendent that brings true meaning and purpose. This desire for transcendence, a yearning to encounter awe, majesty, mystery, and wonder, reflects a deep spiritual hunger. Yet, in many churches today, particularly during the Advent and Christmas seasons, these qualities are often notably absent.
The incarnation—the astonishing reality of God becoming flesh—is frequently presented in a sentimental, cartoonish fashion through nativity plays, jingles, and festive traditions. While joyful, these presentations risk trivialising the profound mystery of God taking on humanity. In a culture dominated by instant gratification, materialism, and superficiality, such approaches fail to provide the depth young people unknowingly crave. Reducing the incarnation to a sentimental story robs young people of the awe and wonder of this cosmic event, missing the opportunity to captivate their hearts with the majesty of the gospel.
For church leaders, children’s and youth workers, parents, and volunteer leaders, the challenge is clear: how can we recover the transcendence of this season and inspire the next generation to marvel at its significance?
Transcendence: A Deep and Universal Longing
In biblical terms, this quest for transcendence speaks to an innate longing to know God. As Augustine famously wrote, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” Children and young people are made in God’s image, and that imprint naturally inclines them toward seeking connection with their Creator, even if they’re unaware of it. Despite being raised in a world that often prizes self-sufficiency and material success, many young people express an interest in spirituality, mystery, and wonder.
This yearning manifests in various ways:
- Fantasy and Supernatural Interests: The popularity of epic tales, fantasy universes, and supernatural elements in media points to a longing for something beyond the ordinary.
- Environmental and Social Justice Movements: Many young people pursue causes that connect them to something larger than themselves, offering a sense of purpose and belonging.
- Mindfulness and Nostalgia: A fascination with analogue nostalgia, mindfulness, and meditation suggests a search for authenticity and depth in a shallow, fast-paced world.
Increasingly, young adults from evangelical backgrounds are seeking out more liturgical experiences of worship, drawn by the richness, beauty, and sense of transcendence these traditions often provide. The structured rhythms, sacred spaces, and symbolic acts in liturgical worship resonate deeply with this longing for the transcendent. For some, the search for awe and mystery even leads them to explore other religions that appear to offer a greater connection to the divine. These trends highlight the urgency of addressing the innate longing for transcendence within the church and offering meaningful ways to connect with the true wonder of God.
The task of Christian discipleship, especially during Christmas, is to help children and young people connect their longings with the true transcendence found in Jesus Christ.
The Diminishment of Awe and Majesty in Christmas Ministry
In many church settings, the transcendent qualities of awe, majesty, mystery, and wonder have been minimised or even lost. This is not necessarily intentional but often stems from a desire to make church accessible, relevant, and entertaining. However, in pursuing these goals, we may inadvertently sacrifice what makes church a place where we encounter God’s glory and holiness.
The seasons of Advent and Christmas, in particular, are rich opportunities to restore a sense of wonder. Yet, when nativity plays feature baby dolls wrapped in tea towels and catchy ditties overshadow profound hymns, the incarnation is reduced to a holiday story rather than a cosmic event. The angels’ proclamation to the shepherds, the wise men’s journey, and the wonder of God-made-flesh are often domesticated for children.
Consider the cosmic significance of Christmas:
- God’s Infinite Majesty: The Creator of the universe entered His creation as a vulnerable baby. This is not merely a cute story but a profound mystery of humility and love.
- Angelic Proclamation: The heavens erupted in praise as angels announced the birth of Christ. Their message, “Glory to God in the highest,” invites us to worship with reverence.
- The Fulfilment of Prophecy: The incarnation fulfils centuries of promises, demonstrating God’s faithfulness and sovereignty over history.
When these elements are reduced to mere sentimentalism, children and young people miss the opportunity to encounter the transcendence of the incarnation. This leaves them unfulfilled, as the church fails to reflect the grandeur they long to experience. In neglecting awe and wonder, we must ask: are we inadvertently creating an environment that compels young people to turn elsewhere for experiences that point to the divine?
Practical Ways to Restore Transcendence at Christmas
- Slow Down the Story
Instead of rushing through the nativity narrative, take time to explore each element in depth. Reflect on the prophecies, angelic announcements, and the journey of the Magi. Create space for silence, questions, and awe-filled reflection. - Worship Over Performance
While nativity plays and Christmas services can be joyful, emphasise that these are acts of worship rather than mere performances. Shift the focus from “getting it right” to engaging reverently with the story. Encourage young people to honour God in their participation, whether through prayer, reflection, or song. - Introduce Liturgical Practices
Evangelicals often shy away from formal liturgical practices, but simple, meaningful traditions can evoke a sense of reverence. Lighting candles, reading passages from the prophets, or singing theologically rich Advent hymns like “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” help create an atmosphere of sacred anticipation. These elements communicate that we are stepping into a holy story that transcends time and culture. - Teach the Cosmic Dimension of Christmas
Go beyond the manger scene to reveal the cosmic dimensions of the incarnation. Help children see that this baby is the one through whom all things were made, who upholds all things by His power, and yet willingly became incarnate through the virgin birth. - Invite Reflection on Mystery
Christmas is filled with mystery. Encourage young people to sit with these mysteries rather than rushing to explain everything. Allowing space for wonder fosters a deeper appreciation for faith’s sacred truths and nurtures their capacity for awe. - Point to the Worship of All Creation
Christmas is not just a human celebration; it’s a cosmic event. Guide young people to see that all of creation was waiting for this moment. In the nativity story, heaven and earth come together in awe—the angels rejoicing, the shepherds worshipping, the wise men offering gifts. This invites us to respond with reverence, joining all creation in praising God for His redemptive plan.
Why Transcendence Matters for Discipleship
The yearning for awe, majesty, and wonder is deeply spiritual, not merely emotional or experiential. When children and young people encounter the transcendence of God, their faith deepens profoundly:
- It Grounds Their Worship: Recognising God’s greatness fosters true worship and reminds them of their dependence on Him.
- It Shapes Their Identity: Seeing their place in God’s grand story gives young people a sense of purpose and belonging.
- It Builds Resilience: A vision of God’s majesty equips them to face life’s challenges with hope and trust.
Restoring transcendence to our Christmas ministries not only meets the deep spiritual longings of children and young people but also lays a foundation for a vibrant and enduring faith that shapes their worship and discipleship for years to come.
An Invitation to Awe
This year, let us recover the awe, majesty, and wonder of the incarnation. We have the privilege of pointing children and young people to the God who became flesh to dwell among us. By moving beyond cartoonish or sentimental depictions of Christmas, we can reflect the profound reality of Emmanuel—God with us.
Through worship, storytelling, and reflection, we can inspire the next generation to marvel at the God who is both near and beyond, whose incarnation invites us into an eternal story of redemption and hope
