A Family-tree Hugger

by Sandra Gilmore

Have you been following this series? Check each month as we explore often-overlooked connections to Christmas and wind our way back to this sacred event.

George Santayana almost got it right when he mused, “The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.” In fact, the family is one of God’s masterpieces. When I was younger, I thought little of genealogy, meaning ‘not often’ as well as where it fell on the roaster of priorities. Folks who were family-tree huggers were not on my “want-to-be-like-them-when-I-grow-up” target.

Have you given much thought to the Begats chapters in Scripture? Me neither, at one time. What changed my perspective? Bible study, particularly in the books of Matthew and Luke.

Just like re-wiring an old lamp or re-finishing a stately sideboard, the Begats can be seen through a fresh perspective with a little study. Have you read through the names not as names but as definitions? Here’s a sample:

Abiud (My Father is Glorious!) Eliakim (My God will raise up) Azor (a helper) Zadok (the Just One) Akim (will the Lord raise up) Eliud (My God is my praise) Eleazar (God will help) Matthan (May the gift of) Jacob (Jacob) Joseph (increase in greatness) Emmanuel (for God is with us, our Messiah and Savior)!

Wow! Each person’s position in the family tree of the Messiah is significant. Each person carries purpose, starting with his name, the first gift we receive in this world. When we consider the magnitude of how many grandparents are represented by one person, we can see the orchestration of an Almighty Hand. Just how does this look in practical terms? Given calculations to the 10th great-grandparent level, the number of people represented is 4,096! Only an Almighty Hand could and would create a family tree leading to Emmanuel while narrating it with their names all the way to “God with us,” the ultimate Christmas gift. He dwelt among us. He provided our salvation on the Cross. Then, Holy Spirit was sent as our ever-present Comforter.

You are significant in your family tree as well. You carry position and purpose in God’s grand plan. Have you heard the saying “You’re one in a million!”? Consider this: if you allow for 25 years between each generation, 500 years ago there were 1,048,576 people involved in creating you!

Consider the uniqueness of your family tree. It’s like no other in history and will remain unique no matter how many generations follow you. Yet, branches upon branches are spread out across the globe, intertwined with other unique family trees functioning, networking, supporting, supplying each other through seasons as life carries on—all to the glory of God!

Application: Read through the first chapter of Matthew once again. Consider your own family line with generations before you and ones still branched out today. Here are some potential prayer points: Pray for your family members, far and near. Pray for their salvation. Forgive those who have fallen short. Praise the Lord for His gifts of talent and abilities granted to your family line. Praise the Lord for their influence on your life. Ask the Lord to draw them closer to Him. Ask for opportunities for them to impact their communities for the sake of the Good News.

About The Author Sandra Gilmore serves the Lord as wife, mom, and encourager, mostly through writing and speaking, occasionally through cooking, rarely through anything athletic and only because of the mercy and grace of Jesus. You can reach her by email: tandsgilmore@yahoo.com or her website: www.sandragilmore.org