Subscription Lists
10 Minutes Peace
by Susan McGrath
When was the last time you sat on Santa's lap?
Do you remember the anticipation of trying to make the perfect Christmas list? The squirming as you waited in a long line? The candy cane you were handed after reciting your wish list for Santa?
Traditionally our society uses Santa as an incentive and even a threat to get children to behave this time of year. "You'd better watch out!" "Santa is watching!" We tell them they must be "good" and "nice" if they want Santa to bring them anything. We give them the impression that they must earn their gifts.
Now, when was the last time you sat on God's lap? Have you recently crawled up on the lap of your God and Savior and told Him the desires of your heart, been accepted with all your flaws, and gone away with something much more valuable than a candy cane and the hope of a few toys?
God is not seasonal. We don't have to wait in line for a private audience with Him. We can't earn His love or his grace - He gives it freely, a gift of unconditional love. Just like the gift of His Son which we celebrate at Christmas, the first gift of unconditional love to all.
We need to remember that spirit of love, not just for ourselves, but when we begin ignore the needs of others or even to judge them. God's gifts to us were meant to be passed on to others, and not just in the form of token gifts at Christmastime.
"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" - 2 Corinthians 12-15.
Rate it:
a recovering journalist trying to encourage others and glorify God through writing;
living the small-town life with husband Tim and sons Lincoln, 12, and Sawyer, 6;
completing a few put-off writing projects while using chocolate for therapy.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "10 Minutes Peace" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.