Psalm 150
Isaiah 2:1-5

For Christmas 1932, when I was eight years old, (a month after my father had died of pneumonia), I received a rocking chair from my God parents: Uncle Benny and Aunt Erna Linnstaedter. I was delighted to get such a wonderful gift. I first rocked my dolls in this chair when I was a child. I then rocked my children, John and Jane Zowarka, when I became a mother.

When my grandchildren, Shane and Kalen West were born, I gave the little rocker to Jane so she and her babies could enjoy the same caring, tender experience my little rocker had provided me.

By the time my grandchildren were born, Kade (2005) and Carley (2007), I had moved from my family home in Texas to a new home in Florida. To my delight, I got to rock my great-grandbabies in my little rocker. Through the years it has rocked as many doll babies as it has real live babies as our family albums are filled with photos of each generation’s children rocking away in this loving rocker chair. You may see why it has been my favorite Christmas gift. As I reflect on my little rocker, it reminds me of Mary’s tender attention she must have showered on her babe born in the manger and how they have passed on their caring tradition to us all.

~ Sug Zowarka

Prayer

Dear God, we thank You for those special gifts and givers in our lives. You are at the top of that list. Accept our thanks for all of the good gifts we have received. Most of all we are grateful for Your Son, our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, in whose name, we pray. Amen.