Simple Superlative

Years ago I learned about the richness of a simple superlative.  Some of my friends are quite eloquent, using words to describe highs of experience or emotion with words like:  exquisite, delectable, stupendous, phenomenal, marvellous.  I have another friend who simply uses the word "nice".  (That's nice, you look nice, it was nice). 

Early in our relationship I would get frustrated with that word, "nice".  I wanted something more explosive, especially if I did or said something with the hope of some feedback.  (All I would get was "that's nice")  It took a while for me to learn that when my friend used the word "nice" it contained meaning that exceeded many words that seem much more articulate or sophisticated. 

Today's reading from Hebrews makes me think about the superlative of God's revelation (which is THE superlative of all that is possible in human experience) revealed to us in the simplicity of a tiny infant.  When we approach the manger our hearts glow with the tender simplicity of that baby.  When we follow Christ for a while, we realize that the living Word Jesus contains blasts apart, forever, all other words that compete for our attention. 

My friend would probably take a leap with this and say:  That is really nice!

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