The conference room was brimming with nearly a hundred co-workers, many of them spilling out through the only door. They were eagerly awaiting a speech by the president of the company. “Happy holidays to everyone! It was because of your efforts that we had another successful year. I hope by now, all of you have received the year-end bonus that was electronically deposited into your accounts.”

The crowd nodded in approval and many shouted a hearty, “Thank you!”

“You are very welcome!” Smiling, he walked around the room. “I have asked you all here to personally thank each of you. Please, everyone, let me thank you!” 

The crowd organized into a jumbled line and one by one, each employee came forward and shook the hand of the president. As they shook his hand, he thanked them by name and handed them a $50 dollar bill. Most were pleasantly surprised. It was not the amount of money, it was the visceral and tangible experience of handling the money. Many left light-hearted, happy to receive cash that could immediately be used. The bonus that was already sitting in their bank accounts, sent by automatic deposit was appreciated, but it was almost an afterthought, compared to this event. It was money in their hands, something to hold and feel. It was a physical reminder of the gratitude the president had for his employees. 

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

John 20:27-30 (NLT)

As Christian believers, we receive the Holy Spirit who dwells within us when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It is an imperishable salvation, eternally present. God, through His grace and mercy, will always remind us of His presence by blessing us with relationships and material blessings. These are all physical reminders that we worship and serve a living God. Like Thomas, God reminds us that we sometimes need to have the physical presence of His blessings to reassure us of His eternal bountiful blessings that are secured for us through faith and belief in Jesus Christ. 

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.