My Best Christmas Present

Ephesians 5:18b-20 – Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NKJV)

Psalm 92:1-4 – It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night, on an instrument of ten strings, on the lute, and on the harp, with harmonious sound. (NKJV)

I can remember when I was a youngster that the first thing I would do when I visited my grandpa, with my parents, was to go to his closet where he kept his guitar. Sitting and strumming that instrument often kept me busy for at least half of the visit.

When I was about eight years old, my parents asked me what I wanted for Christmas, and without hesitation, I said, "A guitar!" On Christmas morning, there it was under the tree. Little did I realize at that time what that desire would lead to.

I immediately signed up for music lessons with a local music studio and was taught for two years by a really nice lady. I seem to remember that in my lessons, a lot of the music was spiritual in nature.

Then as a teen, I studied with a professional musician and backed up a vocal quartet. In the 'sixties, I used a guitar to lead singing in a teen group and played folk music.

Through my young adult life, I played guitar and bass with various dance and performing groups on weekends, and tried it full-time for two years.

But there was something missing in my life and music experience. I didn't realize what it was until I turned over myself and my music to Jesus. Then the Holy Spirit prompted me to move from worldly compositions to Christian ones. I began to write faith-based songs and played in the church bands.

Currently, a violinist buddy and I play carols at Salvation Army kettles at Christmastime. I feel totally blessed to play God's music for His purposes. It all began with that first guitar at Christmastime, and the Lord was in it all along.

What can we learn from this? We need to be on the lookout to spot and develop talents in those around us. The Lord already knows the talents He has equipped us with, and He has a long-term plan for us to use them for His glory.

Prayer: Father, we pray that those who can sing and/or play a musical instrument will use their talent this Christmas to praise You and give You all the glory for the gift You have given us. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share this devotional on Facebook     Like PresbyCan on Facebook