The Message of the Manger: Christmas ReflectionsSample

Knowing Enough

What can writing thank you notes teach us about responding - in faith - to the unknowns of life?

It was still weeks before Christmas when I found cards - stamped, addressed, and ready to be mailed - from my daughter to her grandparents and other family members. When I asked her what they were, she replied that they were thank-you notes for the Christmas gifts she would receive in a few weeks. Confused, I asked how she could write these notes without knowing what the gifts would be. She replied, “I wrote, ‘Thank you for the Christmas gift. I love it,’” and boldly declared, “And I know I WILL love it!”

What a picture of walking in faith! She didn’t receive the gift yet; she just knew it was coming. She didn’t have any idea of what it might be - but was already thankful for it. Knowing that the gifts were coming from those who loved her was enough for her to know she would, in turn, love the gifts and that they would be good.

Perhaps we can relate to a child’s anticipation of receiving a Christmas gift as we, too, are faced with waiting, wondering, and longing. Perhaps, we are waiting for an answer to prayer or guidance in an important decision. Perhaps we are wondering how a certain situation will work out or when a trial will be over.

Despite the waiting and wondering, we, too, can say “thank you” - not because we know how it will work out or what the outcome will be but because we know the One who is the Giver of every good and perfect gift. He is the One who hears and answers our cries and who works out all things in conformity to His will.

Simply put, what (Who) we know is greater than what we don’t: we know the Giver and the Gift. This miraculous Gift, which was given so many years ago, continues to give through the gift of salvation and redemption, the gift of relationship with the Father, and the gift of His guidance and presence.

There may be many unknowns in your life right now and much anticipation for things to change and improve, but it’s safe to say we can "write the note." We can thank and praise our Savior. We know enough to know “it will be good."