Several years ago one of the class members, C.B. Shanks, a master woodworker, began the tradition of making a wooden toy train set for the gift draw. This quickly became the most prized gift. The game is played in which everyone draws a number and you select a gift in order, stealing gifts that had been previously drawn if so desired. Needless to say, each year the train went back and forth before finally settling with a lucky family.
This year, however, was different. This year C.B. and his wife, Ina, went above and beyond. Ina, a fantastic seamstress in her own right, made a beautiful apron for every woman (and staff wife) in the class. On top of that, C.B. made a wooden object for each family. There were cutting boards, birdhouses, clocks, coin banks, and many other things. We brought home a beautiful bubble gum machine. We were all taken aback by the sacrifice of time and energy to make all those beautiful things. According to the Shanks', the motivating factor was their love for their church family.
What do you presume was God's motivating factor for sacrificing his Son? I am not talking about Easter either. Because of God's love for us, all of us, He sent His Son to us that very first Christmas. From the most humble of beginnings, through trial and temptation, through pain, grief, and struggle, and finally, to the most unspeakable of deaths, God loved us with His Son, Jesus. Don't forget His great love for you.
Merry Christmas!
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