Psalm 130

My most memorable Christmas toy was received when I was 5 or 6 years old. My favorite television show at the time was Punky Brewster, a story about a young girl being raised by her foster dad. Well that year for Christmas, I received my own Punky Brewster doll. As a young child, 5 or 6 years old, I had quite an imagination. Punky became my “sister.” She went everywhere with me, including our cabin in South Carolina. I remember buckling her into her very own seat in the car. Later for my birthday, I received her dog, Brandon as a gift. But all through the years Punky held a very special place in my heart. Of course the Christmas I turned 7, I got my very own brother so Punky probably didn’t get played with as much then.

When I discovered Netflix, I found that I could watch old episodes of Punky Brewster, which I gladly did. Even today, Punky sits on the bottom shelf of my doll cabinet in my dining room. Her hair is a little bit “chopped” because I thought it was time she got a haircut and her outfit a little bit soiled. I remember dressing like her, because she always had a unique fashion sense about her. She was definitely my most memorable gift and I’m very grateful that my mom packed her away until I was older, so I could still enjoy having her around years down the road.

~ Amy McKee

Prayer

Creator God, we imitate You often as with dolls and stuffed animals we “seemingly’ breathe life into them making them living creatures. For awhile we walk with them and talk with them. They may go to bed with us and get up with us. In time we may put these “childish things” away, but we hold onto the memories. As we draw nearer to the manger, help us to be sensitive to the desires and needs of children, for Jesus loves them so. In His name, we pray. Amen.