3rd Day, Gift Wrapped Prayers

Gift Wrapped Prayers
by Mary Brown

I poked among toy shelves in a discount store searching for the perfect gift, a present for our two-year-old godson, Ryan. A fun toy, yet educational. A special one to remind him of his Uncle Alex and Aunt Mary, whom he sees only twice a year. Picking up box after box, I grew more discouraged.

Then I caught a few words of the Christmas carols playing in the store:
"How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given."

I wheeled my cart down a deserted sporting goods aisle and closed my eyes. "Oh, Jesus," I breathed, "yes, You are the only perfect gift. Help Ryan to know You and love You." Then I went back and peacefully chose some building blocks.

Later, that night, I spread shopping bags across my bed. As I taped shiny green paper with red rocking horses around Ryan's box of blocks, I found myself praying again for him. Pulling out another parcel, I thought: "Why pray only for Ryan because he's my godchild? Why not pray for Aunt Helen, who's battling Parkinson's disease, as I wrap her candle? And for the new job my husband Alex started? And for our dear friends the Richters who are moving away next month?"

As I cut paper, taped, tied ribbon and prayed for each recipient, love for each person swelled in my heart. God's presence filled the room and surrounded me on the bed brimming with gifts. I plan to wrap up each present with prayer again this year.