Our Gift To Give

As I write this, there is a strange quietness in our house. All the Christmas gifts have been opened, the New Year welcomed and family members have returned to their homes and their lives. Yet, there is a sense of warmth that remains from that special time with family, as we rejoiced in the birth of the Christ Child and the New Year God gave to us Christmas and the New Year are a good time for Christians to reflect on what God has done for us and all creation. He began by creating us and making us precious in His sight. ….and He has a plan for us.

Psalm 139:16 tells us: “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me when as yet there was none of them”. All things, whether they are past or future, are clear and present before God.

Verses 13-14 of the Psalms also tell us,”For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mothers womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well”.

An unknown writer penned some thoughts that I think tell beautifully how much God loves us, created us and has a plan for us:

“ You started in God’s heart Were created by His hands…

And were presented To the World as a gift”

As we begin this New Year, let us thank God for lovingly creating us, giving us life and allowing us another year to walk with him. With the help of His Holy Spirit, may we be a gift in any way God may choose to use us.

Jan Knicely

Associate in Ministry emeritus

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church