My daughter Lydia called me a few years ago and asked what I wanted for Christmas. I told her I either wanted a Rolex Watch or a black dress belt. To maintain the element of surprise, she could use the same sized box for either.
The reality is that I didn’t need anything at all. I have all of what I need and most of what I want.
Prayers for “daily bread” seem far away from my life right now and I am grateful. But they are the prayers of many around the corner and around the world this Christmas. Before we rush out to get kids who want everything things they don’t need and adults who have everything things they don’t want, let’s remember those crying out for the necessities of life: Clean water to drink, food to eat, preventable diseases prevented and the hope that comes only through Christ.
I encourage those of us who have been generously blessed to show our gratitude towards God by generously blessing others. Think outside the box.
p.s. In case you are wondering, I received a belt from Lydia.
-Rev. Shane Bishop is the Senior Pastor of Christ Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois
Rev. Shane L. Bishop 