The Wish Book

As a child, I remember The Sears Wish Book, a special edition of the Sears catalog that arrived in homes prior to Thanksgiving. Each year, I spent hours looking at the various toys before asking for the perfect Barbie Dream House or Willie Talk, my ventriloquist dummy. Those were two of my most prized selections. The Wish Book was aptly named because its contents were either a heartbreaker if not received, or dream maker, when received. The sense of joy began when I started to read the book, think carefully about selections, ask confidently, and wait eagerly for Christmas morning.

Now I am 56, and I still have a special book, but instead of wishes and dream makers, this text is a heart fixer and mind regulator. That is, as I read the contents, I discovered that Christ died to give us heart transplants, converting our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh filled with God’s love. Then, the Holy Spirit regulates our thinking so that like Christ, we can be about our Father’s business.

What is on my list? I want everyone to be as eager to read God’s Book of Love and redemption as I was to read The Wish Book. Then, I want us all to know these truths:

1. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people (Luke 2:10).

2. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

My list is simple: more “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23), which come not from a book of wishes but are fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Reflect and Respond

• What was your first encounter with the Bible? How did you feel about it then? How do you feel about it now?
• Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story? If so, what do you like about it?
• Pray: Loving God, thank you for good memories and for childlike hopes that can become real because of a Wish Book. Thank you for your Love and for Jesus. May we each experience the wonder and excitement of the Christ child in the manager and the redemptive power of the Christ in our lives and relationships. Most importantly, as we share gifts with others this year, let us also share your love authentically. Amen