Playing the Lottery

Somehow I missed hearing that there was a $636 million lottery jackpot up for grabs last night.  Apparently, two lucky folks are now richer than they ever imagined.  They have the opportunity to do whatever they want: help others, blow it all, change everything, change nothing.  They might be wise, they might be foolish.  I hope that they don't suffer the fate of many other lottery winners who over the years have found themselves mired in sadness and strife in the wake of what was imagined to be a stroke of immense good fortune.

I hope, too, the same for all of us as we approach Christmas.  It's easy to get caught up in expectations about the holiday, to think that a special present given or received, a family gathering perfectly executed, a memorable service attended and experienced will make everything right.  These things can be blessings but the only thing that will ultimately make everything right is God, who is coming to us in the Jesus.  Remember that, and it doesn't matter if you or I have the lucky lottery ticket: we'll already be winners.

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