Tuesday, December 18, 2007

December 20: WHAT GIFTS TO BRING?

What will you give Jesus for Christmas this year? Thought about it? It’s his birthday. But, you say, he already owns everything and doesn’t need anything. This is where your creativity must come in.
You already have several people on your Christmas list that don’t need anything but you got creative and bought something for them anyway because it was the right thing to do.
Christmas gift giving begins with a recognition that Christmas is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God. He should be first, not last, on our Christmas list.
Give to those He came to serve: the poor, the homeless, the prisoner, the hungry, the oppressed and the outcast. Is there a better way to honor him than to give ourselves to these?
Matthew 25:40 (NIV), “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” In the light of the scripture, Christian, you have just begun to give. Give some “time” to participate in a group working with society’s “devalued” persons: a Senior citizens group, prison visitation, help with an Ethnic family that doesn’t speak English well. Do you have a skill? Volunteer to cook, repair, provide transportation or just friendship for some of these disadvantaged persons.
Our best gifts to people may not cost us a dime, so we will still have money to share with missionaries in unevangelized countries. Unsaved, hurting people around the globe need the free salvation through Jesus; how wonderful if they could receive a Bible in their own language!
WARNING: You probably do not have enough time or money to do everything you have done before and add this on: this must replace some of what you have done and spent before.
What gifts will you bring?

“What shame we feel, Dear Lord, when we think of how we leave You
off our Christmas list until someone reminds us. We repent! Amen”

No comments: