Parents all over the land are thinking about what they are going to give their children for Christmas. Children all over the land are wishing for something special. Toy-makers and electronic manufacturers are hoping their product will be the selected item. Some parents will mistakenly go into debt to buy some new gaming device or such thinking it is wise to do so. Errantly they believe by doing so they can gain the approval and love of their child.
While it is nice to give something desired to one’s child the greatest gift of all is something only the rarest of children would ever think to put on their wish list. The greatest treasure anyone can bestow on a child is to model tenderness, love, justice and long-suffering. The child who receives these has gained a gift that is more precious than any device or toy that will, by next year, be antiqued by a newer model. The child, who is taught by example to trust, will learn that his or her heavenly Father will never fail them. They will always know that to do the right thing is to do the best thing. They will receive that which will last forever, because nothing can ever make virtuous character traits obsolete. They were in style a thousand years ago and will be in style a million years hence.
When such a child matures and lays their parents to rest waiting for resurrection morning, he or she will know they have been blessed and will seek the same for their children. Surety of their coming family reunion by the river of life written of in Revelation 22 will then be the best gift ever.
Written by Roger Bothwell on December 4, 2009
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org