Michelle Gooding: The lesson of the Sparkle Box

Merry Christmas; it’s a time we celebrate the birth of our Savior and it’s a special birthday. Sometimes we can get lost in the business of the season. You know what I mean: The end-of-year stuff, the cleaning, the cookie-baking, the decorations and even checking the list and checking it twice.

But let’s look at the truth of the whole matter. It is not our birthday at all, it’s the birthday of Jesus: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

A favorite book in our family, especially during Christmas, is “The Sparkle Box” by Julie Hardie.  This book has the power to change Christmas. This story is so moving and clearly shows a little boy named Sam the true meaning of Christmas.

Sam is excited about everything Christmas and is quite puzzled about a shiny and inviting silver box -- a sparkly box sitting on the mantel above the fireplace. He remains excited while his family gives out blankets and hats to the homeless. His family participates in a campaign to provide clean water to a village in Africa.

One day, Sam is in the store buying gloves and his favorite chocolate candy. He sees a man from a park bench through the window with no gloves on and it’s cold outside. Upon leaving, Sam gives his purchase to the man.

On Christmas morning, Sam finds the box has been taken down from the mantle and placed under the Christmas tree. He is so excited to open the Sparkle Box, he opens it first and inside finds slips of paper that have been written on with good deeds performed by his family in honor of Jesus’ birthday. 

This is a great display of love for our Savior during His birthday celebration, so let’s share love this season. After all, it’s not our birthday, it’s Jesus’. Let’s start today filling our very own sparkle box this 2018 Christmas season.

The Bible tells us, “Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40

Merry Christmas everyone.

Dr. Michelle G. Gooding is the pastor of Herring Grove FWB Church; you can reach her at mvgood@gmail.com.