Joyful Christmas

Christmas is always a joyful time in our home. Planning a special holiday with my daughters, their spouses and my grandchildren, I hurriedly wrapped all the presents and started preparing the mid-afternoon lunch for everyone. Then I happily set about filling Christmas stockings. I love filling their stockings! My grandchildren’s eyes light up when they see them, and joyful squeals thrill me as they find some small, unexpected delight deep within their stocking.

I had two stuffed stockings on the sofa for Levi and Brooke, and two stockings on the loveseat for Faith and Mary Kathryn. I discovered they were so full that 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 the overstuffed stockings, I thought, “This is how God treats us – more than all we ask or imagine. 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 stockings were brimming over with gifts, God causes our lives to overflow with His daily gifts. I offer this prayer to honor God: “Thank you, God, for another joyful Christmas with our precious families. 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. Thank you for the abundant blessings You send us daily. Amen.”