Psalm 112:1-5
Praise the Lord! For all who fear God and trust in him are blessed beyond expression. Yes, happy is the man who delights in doing his commands.
His children shall be honored everywhere, for good men’s sons have a special heritage. He himself shall be wealthy, and his good deeds will never be forgotten. When darkness overtakes him, light will come bursting in. He is kind and merciful — and all goes well for the generous man who conducts his business fairly.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“Uncle Greg, are y’all rich?” This was the question that Timothy asked when he learned that Greg had traded in the Jeep that he bought 12 years ago (used) for a newer one (also used). Greg’s answer was priceless. He explained to Timmy that we are rich…we have a loving family, the love of Jesus and a church family who cares for us, friends, a comfortable home, plenty to eat, good health – and so much more. That was not exactly the response that our little nephew was seeking. He has gotten it in his mind that we are “Donald Trump rich!” Unless the president-elect has exaggerated his wealth, I assure you that we are NOT that kind if “rich!”
Today, our family will gather to celebrate Christmas. There are dozens of packages under the Christmas tree…mostly for three precious children we love with all of our being. There are stockings for everyone with a few little goodies (and some candy, of course!)…and we will share a fun afternoon of merriment and celebration. We have decorated, baked, shopped, and planned for this day. We have tried to incorporate some family “traditions” and memories…particularly those of loved ones who are no longer with us.
Greg set out the big wooden Santa like the one from his childhood. His mom and dad helped us create this jolly old elf almost 40 years ago. I have hung my mother’s crystal ornaments on our piano room tree, which is topped by the tinsel star that adorned the Christmas trees of Greg’s childhood. Mother’s big nativity set has a prominent spot amidst the collection of nativities on display in our piano room. Her “Christmas tree” napkin rings hold holiday cloths on our dining table. The cookie jar is filled with my Mam-ma Polly’s legendary sugar cookies, and I’ve made my mother’s holiday “Russian tea.” The association these things and others have to our loved ones will remind us of their gift of love and fairness toward everyone they met.
We will also celebrate God’s kindness and mercy toward all of us…and the fact that He has seen us through some pretty rough patches this last year plus. I will say a silent prayer to especially thank God for the amazing husband He gave me…a man who is unbelievably generous and fair to all, without any judgment or qualifications. I will thank Him for the blessing of three little children whose innocent outlooks and penchant for joy in all circumstances have made seemingly unbearable moments tolerable.
I will thank God for HIS gifts…especially Jesus. I will praise Him for the kindness, mercy, grace and generosity that He pours out on me each and every day. And I will remind myself that we all have a “legacy” to perpetuate…that indeed, “good men’s sons have a special heritage.” We have done all we can to prepare for this day…but each of us is called to carry the “spirit of Christmas” in our hearts every day…to operate in kindness and fairness…to be generous to others without judgment or qualification. We are reminded to count our wealth not in dollars and cents…but in the blessings and abundance of God Almighty…beginning with the ultimate gift of Jesus that makes us heirs to His throne…and thereby “royalty.” You can’t get richer than that!
So enjoy this day…celebrate with your own family traditions and perpetuate the heritage your family has created. But take some time to remember the richest legacy…your place in the body of Christ. Thank God for the best Gift of all…and make every effort going forward to advance His special heritage to the next generations. Glory to God in the Highest…and Merry Christmas Eve to you and yours.
©2016 Debbie Robus
Praise the Lord! For all who fear God and trust in him are blessed beyond expression. Yes, happy is the man who delights in doing his commands.
His children shall be honored everywhere, for good men’s sons have a special heritage. He himself shall be wealthy, and his good deeds will never be forgotten. When darkness overtakes him, light will come bursting in. He is kind and merciful — and all goes well for the generous man who conducts his business fairly.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“Uncle Greg, are y’all rich?” This was the question that Timothy asked when he learned that Greg had traded in the Jeep that he bought 12 years ago (used) for a newer one (also used). Greg’s answer was priceless. He explained to Timmy that we are rich…we have a loving family, the love of Jesus and a church family who cares for us, friends, a comfortable home, plenty to eat, good health – and so much more. That was not exactly the response that our little nephew was seeking. He has gotten it in his mind that we are “Donald Trump rich!” Unless the president-elect has exaggerated his wealth, I assure you that we are NOT that kind if “rich!”
Today, our family will gather to celebrate Christmas. There are dozens of packages under the Christmas tree…mostly for three precious children we love with all of our being. There are stockings for everyone with a few little goodies (and some candy, of course!)…and we will share a fun afternoon of merriment and celebration. We have decorated, baked, shopped, and planned for this day. We have tried to incorporate some family “traditions” and memories…particularly those of loved ones who are no longer with us.
Greg set out the big wooden Santa like the one from his childhood. His mom and dad helped us create this jolly old elf almost 40 years ago. I have hung my mother’s crystal ornaments on our piano room tree, which is topped by the tinsel star that adorned the Christmas trees of Greg’s childhood. Mother’s big nativity set has a prominent spot amidst the collection of nativities on display in our piano room. Her “Christmas tree” napkin rings hold holiday cloths on our dining table. The cookie jar is filled with my Mam-ma Polly’s legendary sugar cookies, and I’ve made my mother’s holiday “Russian tea.” The association these things and others have to our loved ones will remind us of their gift of love and fairness toward everyone they met.
We will also celebrate God’s kindness and mercy toward all of us…and the fact that He has seen us through some pretty rough patches this last year plus. I will say a silent prayer to especially thank God for the amazing husband He gave me…a man who is unbelievably generous and fair to all, without any judgment or qualifications. I will thank Him for the blessing of three little children whose innocent outlooks and penchant for joy in all circumstances have made seemingly unbearable moments tolerable.
I will thank God for HIS gifts…especially Jesus. I will praise Him for the kindness, mercy, grace and generosity that He pours out on me each and every day. And I will remind myself that we all have a “legacy” to perpetuate…that indeed, “good men’s sons have a special heritage.” We have done all we can to prepare for this day…but each of us is called to carry the “spirit of Christmas” in our hearts every day…to operate in kindness and fairness…to be generous to others without judgment or qualification. We are reminded to count our wealth not in dollars and cents…but in the blessings and abundance of God Almighty…beginning with the ultimate gift of Jesus that makes us heirs to His throne…and thereby “royalty.” You can’t get richer than that!
So enjoy this day…celebrate with your own family traditions and perpetuate the heritage your family has created. But take some time to remember the richest legacy…your place in the body of Christ. Thank God for the best Gift of all…and make every effort going forward to advance His special heritage to the next generations. Glory to God in the Highest…and Merry Christmas Eve to you and yours.
©2016 Debbie Robus
