I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

It was the day after Christmas, and the little girl was watching her mother wash the mounds of dirty dishes which had been piled in the sink from the day before.

Knowing how much she, herself, detested the task, the little girl asked, "Mom, don't you ever get tired of washing dishes?"

The mother's reply showed she was a philosopher, as well as a mother. Mom said, "I'm not washing dishes, nor am I scrubbing pots. I'm building a home."

I admire that lady, because she saw the bigger picture of her actions.

She was teaching her entire family what it means to give; to do a job well, even if it's a job that you don't relish.

Sadly, too many people don't get that bigger picture.

For many folks, Christmas ended when December 25th was marked off the calendar.

When the wrapping paper and bows were picked up and discarded, so was the memory of the Savior's story of salvation. When the ornaments were put away in storage, so was Jesus and His sacrifice.

There is a bigger picture to the holy day of Christmas.

God wants us to see that bigger picture. He would like us to remember His Son didn't come into this world for a once-a-year celebration. Jesus came to save our souls for eternity and to give us an abundant life now.

This is why I encourage, as you continue your holy-day cleanup, you also keep seeing the bigger picture of the Christ Child's birth.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Jesus, the "big picture" of Your sacrifice and love extends so much farther than Sunday mornings and Christmas Day. Help me to see and share with others the bigger picture of eternal salvation and abundant life through faith. In Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Nehemiah 7-9    Revelation 18

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