How Much Did You Get?
Ernie was an atheist, and easily Eugene Peterson’s favorite uncle. He was full of jokes and fun. Well, one Christmas when Eugene was five or six years old, Uncle Ernie went to church with them. When it got to the time of the offering, and the plates were passed, little Eugene put in his nickel. But after the plate passed by, Uncle Ernie leaned over and whispered. How much did you get? And then he showed him, half hidden in his hand, a $20 bill.
Eugene said, “At six years old, it just ruined my Christmas. I was ashamed to tell my parents or anyone else. Not only did my uncle, not believe in God, he stole from the God he did not believe in.”
It wasn’t until he was older that he realized it was actually just a joke. But then, as the years passed, it didn’t seem so much as a joke as a parable. How much did you get? It’s a Christmas question. Even a gospel question.
How much did you get?
Even late in this Christmas season, we remember that we stand in the presence of the gift that was already given. And when think about the cross and the love poured out, we are reminded of all that has been handed to us, if only our hearts are open.
Let us pray: Thank you, Gracious God, for coming to us in Jesus. Thank you for showing us how to live through his life, for dying for us, for rising for us, and for redeeming us. Open our hearts to let your love fill us and renew us. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
