RABBONI...which is to say, Master

In the early 70's I read L.E. Maxwells little book, "Born Crucified" and it changed my life. I began to see for the first time that that little baby in the manger was destined for a cross, and instrument of death---for me. I ran across this short story that illustrates the real value of the gift God gave us. Our focus is normally on the Manger and then on the Cross.

An African boy listened carefully as his teacher explained why Christians give presents to each other on Christmas day. "The gift is an expression of our joy over the birth of Jesus and our friendship for each other," she said. When Christmas day came, the boy brought the teacher a seashell of lustrous beauty. "Where did you ever find such a beautiful shell?" the teacher asked. The youth told her that there was only one spot where such extraordinary shells could be found. When he named the place, a certain bay several miles away, the teacher was left speechless. "Why ... why, it’s gorgeous ... wonderful, but you shouldn’t have gone all that way to get the gift for me." His eyes brightening, the boy answered, "Long walk part of gift." God came from heaven to a manger, from a manger to a cross, from a cross to the grave and from a grave back to heaven. And we ask, "Why all this trouble, God?" And God would say to us, "Long walk part of the gift."

Barb and I would like to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a God Directed New Year. And may we never forget, "Long Walk Part Of The Gift".