12/21/2017
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When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him. – Psalm 8:3-4
Every Christmas, my husband designs a miniature village to display in our home. Past experience has taught me that I should be ready to provide miscellaneous paraphernalia for hills, ponds, barnyards, and perhaps to replace light bulbs in the parsonage or concert hall. It is enjoyable to watch the village and countryside evolve each holiday season. My husband carefully plans the placement of each building—from our church to my bookshop to his old brick school.
At last, the landscape and village are set and it is a lovely scene. Still, it is incomplete. The final touch is to place the people who bring the village to life—my favorite part of our yearly tradition. And this is where my husband excels. He puts much thought into where each cluster of activity will take place: the baker, the carolers, the dogs, a deer hunter, some skaters, a few shoppers.
Watching the care that my husband gives his townspeople, I wondered, Could this be similar to what God felt when He looked upon the world He had created? Lofty mountains, crystal lakes, fields and flowers, and the animals and birds set the scene. Then, He thought of families to populate the earth and enjoy His handiwork. He knew right where He wanted each of us placed and where we would fit best in the plan of all ages. Way back when He was busy dividing the waters and filling them with thousands of kinds of marine life, He knew that someday you would be reading this devotional.
When you see miniature villages set up, think of Nazareth, the little village where Gabriel brought the announcement to Mary. Think of Bethlehem, the town where Jesus was born. Then, think of how He looks down and considers you by name, and the condition of your heart and life. He comes to the busy metropolis and the tiny village. He sees and cares about the baker, the bookseller, the teacher, the caroler, the hunter, the concertmaster—and you!
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