Looking Unto the Cross..... A devotional for day 24 of LENT Tuesday, April 4

Easter at Christmas I Corinthians 11:17-34 The aroma of Christmas dinner was beginning to float throughout the house. Grandma was busy preparing her very best to serve her children and their children. The gifts were all stacked under the Christmas tree and around it. One family was still missing and when they arrived the children could begin to open their gifts. When they arrived, four of our five children had come home for Chirstmas. What a joy it was to have them here from their varied responsibilities and the families of their spouse. This was to be our Christmas. It was our year. This was the first year that we were able to have Christmas with more than one or two of our children. Only our son, his wife, and their son were missing. As we began to pass out the gifts, the grandchildren were going wild with excitement. One large gift was given to Grandpa with the instructions that he hold it until all other gifts had been opened. All eyes were on Papa. The grandchildren wanted to know what was in the box. Papa opened the box and pulled out a brand new Church Manual with a pretty ribbon placed at the reading of the Lord's Supper. Also there was enough communion bread, cups and juice for all to participate in the rite. What a great privilege to gather the grandchildren around my feet and read this passage (I Corinthians 11:17-34) and explain that we were coming together, not as families, but as one family accepting Christ as Lord of all. Lord Jesus, help us today to be found worthy that we may have communion with You and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Thanks, Jonna (my oldest daughter) for this wonderful idea of Easter at Christmas. Rev. John Hughes Bonanza, AR USA (Heavener, OK church) Father, As the gift is given, so let me receive it. As it was given in love, so let me live it. As it was given in surrender, so let me claim it for my very own. Let me be part of your giving family that receives its cue from the very Father himself and his Son who so willingly gave himself over to the agony of the cross that my joy of salvation might be so full and complete. And as I continue the family tradition, may others be so blessed as I. Amen Suggested Daily Scripture Reading [Psalms 97, 99, 100] [Gen. 49:29 - 50:14] [ I Cor. 11:17-24] [Mark 8:1-10] Visit: 1999 Advent/Christmas Series Epiphany Series You may send e-mail comments or suggestions toYvonne Edwards. Edited: Mar. 22,6:50 a.m. Page designed by: Cecil Wallace Prayer by: Joe Hittle The background set is provided by Backgrounds by Marie Copyright © 2000 NazNet All rights reserved. International copyright secured.