And the shepherds returned… praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen. Luke 2:20
You know those quaint images of Christmas morning, of children rising before dawn to peek at what’s under the tree and then waking their parents to get the festivities started? Well, it was never like that at our house.
Our children Ross and Maria liked to sleep, so even when they were at the most excitable age, Paul and I had to wake them up because we couldn’t wait any longer. And then instead of indulging in the typical unwrapping frenzy that takes only a few minutes, Ross and Maria liked to play with each gift. He’d want to try out the computer game, and she had to read the picture book. We didn’t hurry them because we always enjoyed seeing how much they appreciated each gift.
Those days provide a gentle reminder to consider my own appreciation, especially concerning God’s gifts. God loved the world and everyone in it so much that He gave us His Son, a gift we are reminded of every Christmas.
My children aren’t little anymore, but the lesson they taught me lives on. Today, I plan to take my time savoring God’s great gift of Jesus and showing my appreciation for Him–as I worship in church this morning and later take a few extra moments for my daily prayer. I can’t think of a better way to spend Christmas.
Not just this one special day, Lord, but every day, I will take the time to appreciate all You have done for me, giving You glory and praise.
