Video of the Day: Clip from the 2000 movie “The Family Man”
Bible Verse of the Day:
Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. 6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it,” Genesis 4:2-7.
Biblical Connection:
Christmas is a time of envy and jealousy, often based upon what you can afford to give, with someone always able to buy bigger and more expensive gifts. Jack Campbell works 13 years to become president of an investment firm. Only to wake up in a new life in which he didn’t leave his college girlfriend for a business trip to London. Jack exchanges a Ferrari for a mini-van, now married with 2 children. This is the context of today’s scene, choosing family over selfish desires.
As the first family on earth takes shape, the oldest Cain takes over the family business farming. Meanwhile, the youngest brother Abel sets out to become a shepherd, able to move around after his herd consumes all the good grass remaining. As Cain sees the flexibility of his brother’s new occupation, envy and jealousy overwhelm him. Just as Jack struggles to accept his new position as a tire salesman, Cain felt stuck, not content with his life as a farmer.
Closing Song:
As a former teacher, one of the reasons students act out is they are not content or happy with who they are or have become. May the Christmas spirit touch struggling souls like Cain before they act out so that peace will reign this December.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 