Sears and Roebuck Wish Book
As a child, I remember the Sears and Roebuck Wish Book. Each Christmas season, I looked at all of the toys carefully. I read different descriptions and then made my Christmas list. One year, I wanted an Easy Bake Oven. Another, I asked for a Barbie Dream House, and another year, I requested a Willie Talk ventriloquist doll. Although I was far from perfect, my mother made sure that I got those things because of her love for me. Now I try to do the same for my child, Kiyah. She makes her list and hopes to get her favorite items each year. This reminds me of the words of Christ in Luke 11:5-13:
And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.
“So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
These verses remind us:
1) how we care for friends
2) how parents care for their children
3) how God loves us.
Dear God, Thank you for friends, for family, and for being our Heavenly Father. This Advent season, help us to be better friends, parents, and community members. As we make our own wish book lists, give us love, peace, and overflowing joy, and give us the grace to share liberally with friends, families, neighbors, and strangers. In Jesus Name, we pray,
Amen