Gifts

Most Christmas gifts have been unwrapped. Now we discover another gift; a little robe made by a loving mother. As we celebrate the birth of Mary’s son, we are reminded of Hannah and her child, Samuel, who was also a powerful servant of the Lord.

Hannah and her husband Elkanah had been unable to have children. She poured out her despair in prayer at the temple, promising God that if she had a son, she would dedicate that child to God. She discussed her prayers with the temple priest Eli, and he affirmed her prayers with a blessing.

God answered her prayer. Once the boy was weaned, Hannah and her husband took him to the temple and left him there to serve God. Once a year, they visited their son, and she brought him a little robe that she had made. Eli blessed their devotion, saying, “May the Lord repay you with children by this woman for the gift that she made to the Lord.” The couple had three more sons and two daughters.

I’ve also been through difficult times with others who prayed to God, promising that they would do something special to repay God for answering their prayers. When the prayers were answered, they usually forgot their promises. What blessings might have been theirs if they had not forgotten?

Gracious God, help me always to remember and appreciate your gifts to me with thanksgiving. Amen. — KW