Sticky desserts consumed, my extended family and I cram amiably onto the couch and dining room chairs around my narrow condo living room. It’s Christmas night; 19 of us are gathered — my sister and brother-in-law, their children and their spouses and children, my husband, our three grown children and I. Gifts find their recipients under the glow of Christmas lights.

Little ones fidgeting, young adults murmuring, I hand out copies of a single-page calendar. “It’s a calendar of names and attributes of God,” I explain. “It has helped me so much on the hard days to remember who He is.” Some take one, others pass them on. 

It’s mainly my sister Ginny’s family that gathers for family parties. She’s the matriarch. I’m the great-aunt/aunt who moved to town many years after they did, after a long time overseas. I see most of them only on holidays or birthdays. We share only brief conversations, but I love them. Thankfully, my children come home for Christmas.

I wanted all of them to have that calendar. Nothing has helped me more as a mother of prodigals than the simple practice of reviewing a name or an attribute of God each morning. It lifts my heart and reminds me of who’s in control. I wanted my family to know: you can get through any trial if you focus on who He is.

No one says anything else about the calendar that Christmas night. There are too many copies left when everyone is gone.

The Christmas gift surprise

Two months later, my first-ever text from great-niece Ashley arrives: “Thank you for giving us that paper about praying the 30 names of Jesus! Each name has really helped me through the days!” My heart sings!

I told my niece Melanie, Ashley’s mother, how much Ashley’s message had meant to me. She said, “Oh, I’m doing that too.” I’m singing, singing!

Another gift at Christmas

When we gather at Christmas three years later, I ask the family to sing a song I wrote. I love seeing some family members smile and enjoy the words of praise. Still, I wonder if it is “too much Aunt Judy again” for others.

I ask the Lord about my feelings. An online ladies’ group I had left months earlier comes to mind as I pray. I loved the ladies, but had compared my contributions unfavorably with theirs. They had always been positive toward me, as had my family, generally speaking! I ask Him to help me understand those feelings, too.

The Lord answered clearly: You might hear two months later, or two decades later, that your example or words made an impact. So do it, share it, give what means the most to you with those you love.

The Lord didn’t mention my feelings! But my husband reminds me: I don’t need to be sure of everyone’s 100% approval 100% of the time. Paul teaches: “For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10). 

I’m horrified that my focus was on myself and my approval ratings! The important thing was obeying the Lord’s leading to share. 

The Christmas surprise continues

Guess who began using the names and attributes of God calendar two years ago? My daughter, Elisa. She was using one of the leftover copies I saved. The Lord knew it still had a place to go.

Today, five years after I first shared it, Melanie still uses the calendar “every single day” in her prayer time, and shares it with others. Ashley “used it throughout college and loved it.” Elisa recently asked for the link to it again. 

Thank You, Lord, for reminding me to keep my eyes on You. And thank You for this priceless gift — using me to bless my loved ones.

Thank You that You didn’t worry about what we thought when You shared Your love in the form of a little baby. Thank You for surprising us! You didn’t look like God incarnate, Lord Jesus. Many rejected You, but You are the Gift of gifts to all of us who trust and receive You.

Thank You for being obedient, even to death on a cross. Thank You for coming to make us new here and now and to take us to Your glorious home one day. Thank You for changing our world forever at Christmas.

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If you haven’t discovered life in Christ, don’t hesitate to check it out. Life is too short to miss His love and perfect plan for you. Read About “The Nearness of God” or see everyperson.com for more information. You can also read my story of coming to faith in Christ in: How My Song Began.