Jessica's Christmas List

Acts 20:35
. . . remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

In an attempt to keep seven-year old Jessica occupied during their long drive, one of her parents suggested, “Hey, Jessica, why don’t you write out your Christmas list while we’re driving?”

“OK,” she eagerly agreed, and she pulled out her paper and pencil. Jessica thought a moment then carefully put her thoughts down on the paper. She thought some more and added more words to the page. Carefully, thoughtfully her list grew until finally it was complete.

When she read her list to her mom and dad they were shocked! Their daughter’s inventory wasn’t anything like they thought it would be. Instead of writing out a list of the things she wanted to receive, Jessica made a list of all the people she wanted to give to and the gifts she wanted to give. Her own name and her own wants were nowhere on that paper. Without a doubt, this little gal understands the true meaning of Christmas!

You know a person is truly unselfish when the first thing that comes to mind is giving and not receiving. May this lesson from a little child help us all to examine our own hearts and our spirit of giving throughout this Christmas season.

Thank you, Jessica, for reminding us of the best way to make out our Christmas list!

Lord, help me to grow in unselfishness and be just like Jessica.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2006

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