Psalm 148

When I was 8 or 9 years old, I received a “Horseman” doll. She stood about 15 inches tall and the only moving parts of her body were her arms at the shoulders and elbows, along with eyes that opened and closed. Her reddish hair came down to her shoulders and I loved to brush it. She arrived with several commercial outfits, including shoes with heels because she stood on her tippy toes.

But what made the gift so unique was that my grandmother had hand-stitched a number of other outfits, including a wedding dress with a long train and lace veil, a felt poodle skirt with matching blouse, and a two piece bathing suit. It has always amazed me how much love she must have put into each item she made; the hours it would have taken her to make this gift so special. For some reason, I don’t recall ever giving her a name; she was always just my “horseman” doll, but I loved playing dress up with so many clothes from which to choose. It was a Christmas gift that has remained in my heart after all these years.

~ Sue McClew

Prayer

Gracious God, in the course of our lives we have received “store bought” and homemade gifts. While the “store bought” gifts may have cost more, the homemade ones sometimes are treasured for their priceless value. We thank You for all the gifts we have received and for the memories associated with them, regardless of whether the gifts are still in our possession. We thank You for giving us Your very best … Your Son Jesus, our Savior and Lord, in whose name, we pray. Amen.