The past month, we’ve been reading “Christmas Stories” for a bedtime story. These are children’s books that we’ve borrowed from the library with a Christmas theme – some are silly, but some have deep meaning. Tonight we read Jacob’s Gift by Max Lucado. In it, young Jacob is training to be a carpenter. Rabbi Simeon notices his talent and takes a moment to talk to Jacob about the meaning of his gifting.
God gave you this gift to share with others … When we give a gift to one of His children, it’s like giving a gift to God. If you ever have a chance to help somebody, remember what I told you.
I won’t spoil the plot of Jacob’s Gift, but it is a beautiful story that is well worth a read, even for adults.
During this time, when we remember and celebrate the gift of Christ, this story helped me to remember that we’ve been blessed to be a blessing. God gives us His Son freely – and then calls us to be a part of His beautiful work! It’s not a gift with “strings attached” but a gift with fullness of purpose and meaning. Christmas is like our adoption day – we are adopted into God’s family and mission. Many people long for something “bigger than myself” to live for – here we are given the Biggest Thing Ever to live for!
We hope that you, in your corner of the World, have had a beautiful Christmas. May God be with you into this new year!
Around the World with the Woltjers 
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