My Grandpa and Grandma Shouse had 8 children and too many grandchildren and great grandchildren for me to try to count. Because their family was so large, we didn’t get together for a big meal or gift exchange at Christmas.
However, every year on Christmas day, my parents, siblings and I would go to Grandpa and Grandma’s house for a visit. Grandpa would get his Bible off the stand on the coffee table and read Luke chapter 2. While we were there, other aunts, uncles and cousins were sure to show up at some point. Since all of Grandpa’s children and grandchildren showed up at different times, I have often wondered how many times on Christmas day my Grandpa read Luke chapter 2. I miss those special times when we all sat quietly and listened to Grandpa read aloud about the birth of Jesus.
My grandpa died on May 14 of 1982. I was in 8th grade and remember being pulled out of Mr. Pickett’s classroom to join my cousin Brian in the hallway while my dad and uncle told us the news.
For my 8th grade graduation that year, my grandma gave me a little “Soul Winner’s New Testament” with “’Call unto me.’ –Jeremiah 33:3” written in gold lettering. Inside were words presenting it to me from her and Grandpa even though Grandpa had gone on to heaven.
I don’t think I realized what a precious gift my grandparents (and parents) had passed down to me until later in life. A big part of who I am today has been shaped by the words on those pages…words that taught me what is right, words that taught me of God’s unconditional love, words that taught me to love, words that gave wisdom to help me grow, words that gave direction when I didn’t know which way to go, words that brought strength, comfort and peace in times of trouble, words of life.
Of all the gifts that I have received at Christmas, the gift of hearing the Good News about Jesus and celebrating his birth is the gift that has lasted and had the biggest impact on my life. Because of the relationship I have with Jesus after hearing those words and recognizing God’s call, I have peace. Because I believe the Good News I heard, I want to share those words with others, and there is no greater joy than seeing others recognize God’s call after they hear the words as well.
God’s word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones. And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts.” ~Hebrews 4:12 NCV
If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. ~Romans 10:9-10 NIV