Christmas Gold

Psalm 119:127-128 - "Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path."

Merry Christmas!

Because the Psalmist does something unique with these two verses, I need to deal with two verses today instead of one. Throughout Psalm 119, David's statments in each verse have been able to stand alone. Each verse has contained it's own sentence. Psalm 119:127-128 must be taken together, because they are one complete thought.

Earlier today, our son Chris came into our bedroom to wake us up. It was a little after 5:00 AM. In our family, our children are allowed to wake up any time after 5:00 AM on Christmas morning. Last night, after the kids went to bed, Cyndi and I loaded the tree with the gifts that we bought our children. They opened gifts from each other and extended family yesterday. Cyndi and I have trouble sleeping on Christmas Eve, because we are as excited as our kids about what treasures they will open up under the tree. We want to see their faces as they open the gifts. We want to hear their excitement.

We had a wonderful time as Mom, Dad and Chris as he opened his gifts. Breanna was next. She woke up around 6:30. Then, Jeremey woke up at 7:00. Zachary is still asleep. As I type, Breanna and Chris are in the middle of an intense game of Electronic Monopoly. Jeremy and Mom are putting together his new Viking Legos. And the house is abuzz with noise.

We treasure this time of the year. And, we enjoy the gifts. But the gift we enjoy the most is Jesus. We really do. We have tried so much to focus on Christ this Christmas season. To reflect upon His gift to us. Like King David, we want to value Christ, His Word, and His desires for our life more than anything else. Can you imagine what our lives could look like a year from now if everyone in our family sought to seek Christ first in everything that we do? What would that do in your life? Would it change anything? Would we involve ourselves in different activiies or pursuits? Would we continue doing what we are doing?

As you celebrate today, think about what gifts Christ desires from you. And, offer them to Him. You'll never regret it.

Dear God,

You are better than anything that this world has to offer. Help us to remember to pursue You and Your Kingdom ahead of anything that this world has to offer. And, thank You for the gifts that You have provided to us today from Your good and gracious hand.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.