Imitation

Imitation. Not the real thing. A rip-off of something genuine and of value.  Imitation crab meat.  Imitation leather. Behavior to make us look like we are more than we are – especially more powerful, more wealthy, more influential.

Imitation has acquired a very negative meaning.  Especially among those who do have power and wealth and influence, where being original and unique and individual means the most.  Not being one of the “masses” (which of course must be said with a condescending sneer).

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”  Sincere flattery seems like an oxymoron.  Flattery is excessive praise with motives of self-interest.  Maybe you can really be sincere about your self-interest?  I guess if you really believe that by imitating someone else instead of being yourself, you will further your career or your influence or your power.

But imitation is also necessary.  How else do babies learn to talk and walk and tell wild, silly jokes except by imitating those around them?  How do we learn to show love except by imitating those who make us feel most cherished?

One of my linchpin friends showed me this rendition of what we should imitate (credit to Hugh McLeod for the art work):

These verses in I Corinthians end with:

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

The greatest of these is love.  The greatest gift of all.  When we exchange gifts with friends and family during this season of the Christ Child, we are imitating the love of our Father God, our Abba, who so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Sent Him as a babe in a manager.  As our Emmanuel.

God with us.

Bless us one and all. Merry Christmas.