Great is our Lord and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. Psalm 147:5
 
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him. Luke 2:40
 
Again, we have just celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This wonderful time of year reminds us once again that we are recipients of the greatest gift of all, God's favor on each person who believes. Because Jesus was born a human and lived as one, Jesus truly understands each one of us. Because Jesus is divine he has unlimited wisdom and abundant power. God's gift to us when Jesus lived and died for our sins is a gift we can hardly comprehend. We do not deserve the gift we are given when God claimed us as his children. May we be guided by the Holy Spirit to be instruments of God's love and favor.
 
I think of the Christmas time that I took our five-year-old daughter to visit my great aunt in the nursing home. Aunt Martha had been born in Norway and had immigrated to America as a young woman. She was very near the end of her life. Joy had just learned to sing "I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve" in Norwegian for her Christmas program. Joy sang "Jeg er sa glad hver julekveld" for Aunt Martha. It was a moment in time of unforgettable love between Aunt Martha and Joy. It is a time I always remember. God's love and favor was in that room at that time.    
 
Dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,
Help us to glean wisdom and strength from our relationship with you. Make us instruments of your love and favor. Amen.
 
Florence Smallfield
Ministries
Teaching Mission Party