Message of the Day from Wendy Barker
What’s in the Box?
A couple of days ago, Allan’s niece posted on FaceBook a picture of the letter her 5-year old son had written to Santa. She added the caption, “What did he want Santa to bring him, you ask? Well … an empty box. That’s it. The box must look like a present, but it needs to be empty so he can put things in it.”
In a year when we may be stepping back a bit from the usual consumer Christmas frenzy, this is an interesting idea. What would you put in an empty box?
It calls to mind a little story that Phyllis shared from her daily devotional book:
The Happiness Box represents the love of a little boy for his cousin—a love that distance could not hinder. This little boy had nothing to give his cousin except an empty box. So he decorated it and filled it with love, joy, understanding, and peace. He gave it to his cousin, who cherished it greatly.
As the cousins grew older, they began to encounter the sadness, discouragement, and lack of understanding that is so often a part of this world. But the second cousin found life especially trying, until one day he remembered the Happiness Box. Pulling it from a forgotten corner, he opened it and found it still housed joy, understanding, peace, and, above all love.
Adapted by Paul L. Powers from the True Story of the Happiness Box
Words to Consider:
“Don’t keep hoarding for yourselves earthly treasures that can be stolen by thieves. Material wealth eventually rusts, decays, and loses its value. Instead, stockpile heavenly treasures for yourselves that cannot be stolen and will never rust, decay, or lose their value. For your heart will always pursue what you value as your treasure.” ~ Matt. 6:19-21 (TPT)
Prayer:
Giver of Life
As we move through this Advent season, help us to recognize, cherish, and share the truly important gifts that you give to us: hope, peace, joy, and love.
Amen