One Christmas Season, when I was a little girl, probably 7 or 8 years old, my mother promised me a silver dollar if I’d memorize Luke 2:1-14….the story of the birth of Jesus. It was a Saturday morning and I loved Saturdays because it was the only time I could ever crawl into my parents bed. My mama raised me by Dr. Spock and he said no children in the bed and so there were absolutely no children in the bed…except on Saturdays!
I loved Saturday mornings. It was snuggled in mama’s bed that I learned about God and Jesus. She told me the stories of Jonah and Moses and Jesus. I learned about Abraham’s calling, Noah’s ark and Joseph’s coat of many colors. On her bookcase headboard was a picture book of great religious paintings by famous artists. I saw Leonardo’s Last Supper and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. I saw paintings of Mary and baby Jesus. I was mesmerized by the artist’s work. It was all so beautiful. I couldn’t imagine anything more thrilling than to be an artist. My appetite was whetted then and there.
Back to my story….So, I did. I memorized the whole passage and received my silver dollar.
It was the first of many silver dollars. Mama had found a way to get the word of God into me.
She knew the word of God was more precious than silver or gold.
She knew once it was hidden in my heart, it would be there always.
It’s been years since I crawled into my mama’s bed.
Now I have grandchildren crawling into mine.
I spent my silver dollars, long long ago.
But I still remember the story of Jesus’s birth.
Luke 2:1-14
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
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I thought I was getting rich on silver dollars…
The truth….Mama was planting seed in my heart and I was growing rich…..
…………………………………..on God’s word.
Have you found a way to plant the word of God in your children’s heart?
It’s the one gift that will never tarnish and they will never out grow.
“Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11
Merry Christmas….everyone.
