Is That All There Is?

The nine-year-old sat with his substantial pile of opened Christmas presents, gazed up at the adults around him, and asked, "Is that all there is?"

That's also the title of a song by the same name. The verses tell of a house fire, a visit to a circus, and lost love. At the end of each verse comes the chorus asking the same question: Is that all there is?

When is enough, enough? When are we satisfied? Can we possibly eat enough chocolate to content our greed? Or drive a big enough car? Or have the fanciest house, the happiest marriage, the best job? What in the world will ever bring us contentment? Biblical examples abound.

Certainly, the disciples thought that they couldn't get enough bread in such a remote place to feed a crowd of four thousand.

The five virgins who had enough oil weren't willing to share with the other five who had none, in case there wasn't enough for both groups.

The rich man had a full barn, but he wanted to store more.

In contrast, the Bible says:

Philippians 4:11 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (KJV)

This Christmas season, as we send our thoughts in the direction of more and more, when we are asking ourselves, Is that all there is? Will we choose the only correct answer to that question? Jesus is all there is, and Jesus is enough.

Acts 2:36 – Therefore let the whole house of Israel recognize beyond all doubt and acknowledge assuredly that God has made Him both Lord and Christ (the Messiah) — this Jesus Whom you crucified. (AMP)

Prayer: Lord, forgive us for our greedy ways and our continual asking the question, "Is that all there is?" For Christ's sake, we pray. Amen.

Brenda Wood, Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada