Gifts from the heart, for the heart

Christmas 2019 lights have faded fast, but this morning I discovered a precious gift that reflected love without season.

I unfolded a paper to discover that it was the last of several “advent” messages designed to be read by my wife and I one at a time, once each morning, until Christmas Day.

“Dear Grammie and Grampy,” this note began. “Rise and shine and give God the glory. We love you both so very much, and I pray that you will have a marvelous day.”

The beautiful handwriting was clearly that of our 12-year-old granddaughter. But her 10-year-old brother added his signature to the bottom of the page, which featured this verse: “May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high!”

What a joy it was – what a memory – to open each of those Advent notes and to enjoy a few subsequent minutes in the Word and in prayer together. Children and grandchildren: gifts of the “priceless” variety.

"The Lord bless you from Zion, and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Indeed, may you see your children’s children.” Psalm 128:5-6a