December 7
Scripture: John 14:16
Source author: Patricia A. Moyer
December 17
Loving Fruit for Christmas I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. —John 15:5
Christmas shopping, what a challenge! But I approached the mall with a smile on my face, keeping in mind that Jesus is the reason for the season. I found exactly what I was looking for in the first store and proceeded to the checkout. I got behind a lady whose cart was overflowing with items that needed to be wrapped by hand, as they included glassware and porcelain. Finally the clerk rang up her total of $69.50. I couldn’t help but comment, “Wow! What a bargain. You got all of that for a great price!” The lady looked around at me, stunned by my pleasant tone in the face of an endless wait. “You have been so patient. Thank you so much,” she said. As the clerk helped the lady take her loaded cart out of the store and left me waiting in line, the customer thanked me and kissed me for being an example of the Christmas spirit. “Have a Merry Christmas!” she exclaimed.
Without the Babe in the manger, I am a broken branch; as I abide in the love of Christ, I am enabled to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit. — Patricia A. Moyer —