Psalm 145:10-19
Creation and creatures applaud you, God; your holy people bless you. They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor, letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.
All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures. Everything God does is right — the trademark on all his works is love.
God's there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. He does what's best for those who fear him — hears them call out, and saves them.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
The “Sunday paper” was full of circulars and ads for all kinds of “last-minute gift ideas.” Countless online retailers are offering free shipping and promising “You can still have this in time for Christmas!” Everywhere you look, someone is ready to lavish gifts and “stuff” upon us… to “play Santa Claus” and “make our Christmas merry and bright!”
What we really need is the favor of God. He stands ready to lavish His gifts upon us… but we often crave the things of this world instead. As we head into the last week before Christmas Day and rev up our holiday preparations and last-minute shopping, let’s stop to remember why we celebrate Christmas… and WHO is truly responsible. Let’s think a little less about what Santa Claus is bringing us and a lot more about what God does for us each and every day.
Let’s remember that God shows up right on time to meet our every need… to save us when we are down and out… to feed us body and soul… to lavish His goodness, grace, mercy and love on each one of us. How could we not love such an amazing God? How could we not offer Him our very best and put HIM at the top of our list of priorities?
It’s easy to get caught up in the tinsel and sparkle of the commercialism of Christmas… but it’s time we paid more attention to God and the gifts He offers us every day of the year. How will you spend the “home stretch” of this Christmas season?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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