Joyful Christmas
"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask
or think…" (Ephesians 3:20)
It was Christmas!
A joyful time in our home.
With four grandchildren ranging in ages from 3 to 12 there was always
something to do. We had gone shopping, attended a church candle lighting
service, gone to a Christmas musical together, and had Christmas parties at
school.
Our girls both have families of their own and we must share them and the
grandchildren with their extended families. Sometimes that can get kind of
hectic going in so many different directions. Our time with all of them
together was to be Christmas Eve day.
After hurrying to get the presents all wrapped, I started preparing the
mid-afternoon lunch for everyone. And then I set about filling Christmas
stockings. I love filling their stockings! Their eyes light up and a joyful
squeal thrills me as they find some small unexpected delight deep within
their stocking.
Soon I had two stuffed stockings on the sofa for Levi and Brooke, and two
stockings on the love-seat for Faith and Mary Kathryn. I discovered they
were so full some of the things were spilling onto the sofas. Toys were
protruding from the top and pretty socks were hanging over the edges. It was
a beautiful sight and I knew the grandchildren would be happy.
As I stepped back and viewed my finished products I thought, that is how our
God treats us – over and abundantly more than we could ever dare to ask or
hope for. He not only fills our mouths to overflowing with food, He hangs
clothes on our bodies and He lays a gift of shelter at our feet. He feeds us
spiritually with His Word, allows us to communicate with Him in prayer and
sends us blessings immeasurably.
Just as those Christmas stockings were brimming over with gifts from the
grandparents, God overflows our lives with daily gifts from Him.
I found myself whispering in those few quiet moments before the children and
grandchildren descended upon our home, "Thank you, God, for another Joyful
Christmas with my precious family. Thank you for sending your wonderful Son,
Jesus, as a baby in a manger to eventually sacrifice His life on a cross for
our sins. So that if we trust in Him we may live in heaven forever and
ever."
Melva Cooper