Advent ABC's: Treasured Possession

17 You have declared this day that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in his ways, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws, and that you will obey him. 18 And the LORD has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands. 19 He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he promised. (Deuteronomy 26:17-19, NIV)

What is your treasured possession? I asked my husband that yesterday as I was preparing to write this. He took several minutes to think about his answer. It was a thoughtful answer. It was an object, lovingly created, and generously given. I’m still trying to decide.

When I was in High School Values Clarification was quite popular. I vividly remember being in a group and being asked what three items I would grab to take with me if I was escaping from my house that was burning to the ground. I’m pretty sure that one of my grabbed items was my guitar (a scratched up 6 string I bought from my friend Dave Crosby for $25), my Bible (given to me by one of the most influential people in the development of my faith, Carol Held) was another, and it’s toss up as to what the third may have been—after all, it was nearly 40 years ago!

Is it hard for you to imagine that you are God’s treasured possession? It’s true. It’s what makes this Christmas thing possible. It’s what gives it meaning.

Perhaps the whole, “God loves you” thing is easy for you to grasp. I have to admit I envy you a bit if that’s the case. It took landing in a most unlovable place and having my husband, children, and friends still love me to finally get through to me.

God so loved…he gave. If His house was on fire, he would be sure to grab you.