Read: Matthew 6:25-34
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (v. 26)
The book Birds of the Bible by Peter Goodfellow describes how ravens fed Elijah, how God sustained the children of Israel with meat from quail, how the Holy Spirit descended like a dove onto Jesus after his baptism—who knew Scripture contained so vast an aviary?
Jesus used “the birds of the air” to illustrate the attitude of trust that should characterize the people of God. If God cares for the birds, may we not assume that he cares also for you and me? When Jesus says, “Do not be anxious about your life” (v. 25), that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make provisions for the future. The chickadees and sparrows outside my window spend almost every waking moment scratching for food. What Jesus is warning against is worry.
I enjoy watching birds. They remind me of that line from the old song by Civilla D. Martin, “His eye is on the sparrow, / And I know He watches me.” December in Michigan, where I live, means deep snow and frigid temperatures, which makes life hard for birds. So I feed them. And I remember that through the birth of Jesus, God provides for my deepest spiritual needs too. —Lou Lotz
Today’s Activity: Set out food for the birds and watch as they eat it. Then add a bird ornament to your Christmas tree and remember that God provides for every need. If you need an ornament, visit www.woh.org/AdventCalendar to print and color your own!
About the Author
Rev. Lou Lotz is a recently retired Reformed Church pastor. Lou and his wife Mary Jean live in Hudsonville, Michigan.
