December 17th

The sand-dollar found on many Florida beaches is a natural phenomenon which records several symbols of our Lord Jesus Christ on its drying shell. There is the representation of a star on one side and a bell on the other! There are three holes which represent Jesus’ piercing on the cross! There is the outline of a poinsettia flower in one spot! When the shell, the very heart of the creature is broken open, several small pieces of white bone are found. They are shaped like tiny doves . . . the very representation of the Holy Spirit! I am amazed anew each time I see one.

SAND-DOLLAR, SAND-DOLLAR
Sand-dollar, sand-dollar there on the sand,
How could you know what God’s wisdom had planned?
How did you know about Bethlehem’s star
As you dwelt in the ocean from Israel far?
How could you know of His birth long ago
And that, pierced for us, His life’s blood would flow?

Sand-dollar, sand-dollar there on the sand,
How could you know what God’s wisdom had planned?
How could you hear the wild Christmas bells ring,
Telling the world that Jesus is King?
How could you see poinsettias red bloom
Flowering and brightening a Christmas-warm room?

Sand-dollar, sand-dollar, gift from the sea,
Finish the story so all men might see.
Show how the beautiful Spirit of Love
Indwells your heart with its heavenly dove.
Show how you harbor the white doves of peace
That only a broken heart-shell can release.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your wondrous ways and for breaking my heart-shell.