Christmas Fortnight Day 10

Here we are –one week until Christmas Day.  A question.  Which do you enjoy most, giving or receiving gifts?  Of course we all love to receive gifts, it’s nice to know that someone cares about us enough to give a gift.  But when I give, why do I give?  To receive, to be noticed, obligation??

I think the key is to remember the GREATEST GIFT!!

 John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world, that HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life.” 

God loved us and gave HIS SON to die for us.  What do we give?  Some of us choose and give the perfect gift for each person according to their needs or likes.  Others of us buy a dozen of some great bargain and give one to each person on our list.  Now each style of giving has it’s positives and negatives.  But what is important?  Money, self, time?

1 Peter 4:9-10 says, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God..”

This refers to spiritual gifts, but I think we can learn about giving here.

We are to be hospitable–-‘friendly & welcoming to strangers and friends’.

We are to give as we have received,

“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required….”  (Lk 12:48b).

In a word—YOURself.  God gave Jesus–I can give ME!!

Don’t get caught up in “price” or “vogue”.  Is there someone who’d love to hear your voice, spend time with YOU, have your help for a difficult task?   Maybe just a visit?  Think about it!! Is there someone on your list who just needs YOUR time?  Is there someone you need to call today?  Is there someone who needs a token of your LOVE?

Stop!! 

Think!! 

Listen to your heart!! 

Then just DO IT!