A Treasure We Don’t Always Recognize
One of the most extraordinary discoveries on Antiques Roadshow was a Navajo-made Ute First Phase Chief’s Blanket, woven in the mid-1800s and valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars. The owner had no idea. It had been resting unnoticed on the back of a chair. The story reveals a simple truth: it’s possible to possess something priceless and never recognize its worth. This can also be true in spiritual life. Many acknowledge Jesus, yet His value remains unrealized. He is present but not treasured, known but not fully trusted—treated more like a decoration than a covering. Chief’s blankets symbolized authority, identity, and protection. They were worn by leaders who carried responsibility for their people. In the same way, Jesus did not come merely to inspire, but to lead, protect, and liberate.
Christmas itself was born into conflict. Jesus entered a world shaped by violence and oppression, stepping onto a spiritual battlefield. Scripture tells us the Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). The cross marked the decisive victory, securing freedom even as battles still remain. Jesus is not just a baby in a manger. He is a Liberator and Prince of Peace, inviting His people to live covered by His grace and power—not unaware of His worth, but transformed by it.
Discussion Questions
1. Why is it easy to underestimate the value of something familiar, including faith in Jesus?
2. What does it look like to truly treasure Christ rather than simply acknowledge Him?
3. How does understanding Christmas as spiritual conflict deepen its meaning?
4. Where might Jesus be present in your life but under-valued?
5. What would change if His worth was fully recognized and trusted?
