I love Christmas ornaments. I collect Bible story ornaments, and things that remind me of scriptures, which are very hard to find these days. Among my favorites are Jonah and the fish, Daniel and the lion’s den, Noah's Ark, the Nativity, and I even have one of Samson. 

Among my favorite ornaments hang on my tree are those with special meaning from friends over the years. Some from the first year we were married and even some that I made myself. But my favorites by far, are the ornaments I hang there because they are handmade by those close and dear to my heart. The ones my three children and seven grandchildren have made over the years.

Of course, some of those more than 40 year-old ornaments aren't all that outwardly attractive. Some don't even look like ornaments at all. As adults, my children are always curious about why they mean so much to me, as they inquire, "What is this thing suppose to be, anyway?" But to me, they are highly prized, irreplaceable and one of a kind. But in 2009, (three years after I had weight loss surgery) something incredible happened that changed my view of things. As I hung these little treasures on the tree that year, little did I know God would use them to speak a special message to my heart.

Among the ornaments that grace my collection is a red "blob". It's happens to be the one that usually gets the most "why" questions asked about it.  Yep...it's just a blob of red plastic. It's actually a clear red plastic cup which has been melted in the oven. Inside the blob are a few small green plastic beads. It really doesn't even look like a Christmas ornament, much less a good Christmas ornament, but to me it is precious. 

As I was pondering this little treasure, it suddenly occurred to me that this ornament required more adult involvement than that of a three-year-old child. In a preschool class, someone just handed him a cup or maybe placed it in front of him. He may not have even touched it. It didn't come from his imagination or even display any of his handiwork or creativity. The melting had to be done in the oven, so he didn't even get involved in the process, except maybe as an observer. So really the only thing he did was to drop a few little green beads in the cup.  

So why is it meaningful, so special? I have hung it on my tree with loving care and a smile for the over 30 years. "What is it about this red blob?"

But that day, in that moment, something that had been planted years ago suddenly came to life. In that moment, God began to reveal a special secret held within that little blob.  

In my minds eye, I followed the hands of a 3-year-old boy as he selected his little green beads and dropped them one by one into the red plastic cup.  And then I saw it, something I had missed before, but it has been there along.  

Fingerprints.  Tucked inside that red blob is a unique impression of a child. Not just any child, mind you. My child.  A child conceived in love, not just through human will, but by the will and hand of God himself. Fashioned by the God of the Universe. This little red blog carries a part of my heart along with those small little fingerprints.  Tiny invisible fingerprints that proclaim all that he is and all that he will ever be. Fingerprints that will remain constant and permanent following him into eternity.  Fingerprints that display his heritage from the beginning of time. Suddenly, I was caught up in quiet and silent world within the womb.  

The scriptures tell us that God fashioned and created us. In the quiet and secret place, when no one else was looking. He was alone with something so dear to his heart, a moment in time, so intimate, unshared with the world; He created "me" and "you".  

The word used in Psalms is embroidered. Handmade. We carry God's fingerprints. Just imagine. We carry the imprints of the one who made us, God’s unique signature.  We reflect the perfect love, care and tedious creativity of the Master, Himself. God might have spoken the universe into existence, but when he made you and I, He intricately formed us by hand. In that season of my life, I needed to be reminded of His extravagant love for me. Once again, God used a child to send a special message of His love into our world.

That moment played inside my heart that day, and into every Christmas season afterwards. Why do I doubt love?  I carry it around in my heart and in every part of me.   

You created my inmost being; you embroidered and knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made: your works are wonderful. I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth.  Psalm 139:13-15.