ABU

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. II Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

Every Christmas Peter waited until Christmas Eve to “shop” for his sisters’ presents. It never took long, for he wrapped some of his old (and sometimes broken) toys in newspaper and put them under the tree for the girls.

One year, he took his “ABU gift giving” to an all time low. Not wanting to part with any of his own things, he snuck into his sisters’ room and snatched some of their belongings to give to them for Christmas.

Used to their brother’s antics, when the girls opened the presents, they pretended to be surprised by new items.

“I have just the right place for this,” one girl said.

“This will look great in my hair,” the other said.

Seeing how much this unexpected reaction took the fun out of their brother’s ABU game, the girls continued to list new uses for their old items. Before long, the list of possibilities made these old gifts seem brand new.

In a far greater way, Jesus breathes new life into ABUs, or “already been used” lives. He accepts our broken pieces and returns them restored. He comforts the worn out soul and exchanges it for a new beginning. No matter the burden or state of the ABU life that we give to Him, Jesus will gladly fill it with abundant life, for “He makes all things new.”

Father, thank you for this season when we celebrate the gift of your Son. I bring to you my life, wrapped in prayer. Take my ABU life, and renew me for your purposes this Christmas. Amen

© 2012 Nance