Malachi's Heart

Malachi bought a cross for Christmas decoration this year, knowing the true meaning of Christmas he was pleased with what he found and proudly shown it as our family was decorating the house. Unknown to him it was a Catholic Crucifix, which carried other meanings than the one he intended. When he brought it out I smiled and explained what it was and how to recognize it. As his father I saw my son’s heart sink a little and I heard a voice inside say, “it’s okay”. I knew then it was because of Malachi’s heart that made the gift acceptable, in spite of traditions of man and views of the world which embellished this symbol the gift in Malachi’s hand had new meaning to me. Out of his love for God he gave his money and time so that others might know we love God because He first loved us. Malachi learned what a Crucifix was that day and hopefully he learned that his dad loves him but his father learned a little bit more of the Heavenly Father’s heart for his children. We celebrate Christmas as Christ’s birthday and the celebration carries many meanings, some we intend and many we don’t. The Christmas holiday is man’s idea, God does not ask for nor does He require the things Christmas has become but it is the heart of the true believers that make our offering acceptable and as we grow in Christ we learn the things we love about Christmas time isn’t meant for one special day each year but for every day of the year. Lord Jesus may each day of our lives be an offering we bring before you, holding it in our hands, proudly offering it to you so that others may know that we love you because You first loved us! This year Malachi’s gift was the center piece on our mantel, reminding us that our lives we offer to God also have special meaning to Him.