December 23:
B.C. verse: Matthew 2: 9-12
A.D. verse: Romans 12: 4-8
Christmas hymn: “Christmas Shoes”
Hymn for today: “Live Like That” by Sidewalk Prophets
Like the majority of adults, I prefer to give gifts as opposed to get
them. Typically, I make a thoughtful effort to either make or purchase a gift
that reflects my knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the recipient.
For example, I have a friend who is a big fan of pecan pie, so I have, on
occasion, baked one for her as a gift. Over time, however, gift-giving has
become a source of anxiety and dread for me.
Case in point: Last year, I purchased a wall item for a newly-married
couple. I scoured the internet until I found just the right one, and the gift
was opened last Christmas. Recently, I visited their home and discovered that
my gift had been hung. . .behind a door. . .in the master bathroom. Ouch.
Then, there was the time that we were having a garage sale at our
house. Various relatives brought over items for the sale, and as I was going
through the books on the table, I discovered a devotional that I had given one
of them. . .with my thoughtfully-composed, handwritten note still on the front
page. The binding hadn’t even been broken. I won’t lie; my feelings were hurt.
I couldn’t bear to look at it, so I just threw it in the garbage can.
Nothing, however, compares to the persnickety gift critic known as my
daughter. After several disappointments in the gift department, she has opted
for specificity. She now takes screen shots and sends pictures of the items she
wants so that the brand, color, and store are specific and error-proof. While I
appreciate her research, Christmas shopping feels more like grocery shopping.
Whatever happened to “It’s the thought that counts”? While the levels
of extravagance and expense have increased, the simplistic notions of
thoughtfulness and meaning of gift-giving have decreased.
Likewise, the focus these days seems to be on the recipient versus the
giver, which, if you think about it, is backwards. A gift is something
willingly given without expectation of payment. In order words, without the
giver’s initiative, the subject is a moot point.
The Magi in today’s verses show us the original intention of the
gift-giving concept. “They entered the house and saw the child with his mother,
Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their treasure chests
and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).
First, they opened their treasure
chests. They chose to give the best they had. . . no re-gifting, no grumbling
about cost, no clearance items. Secondly, the items they gave were specifically
and thoughtfully chosen for the Christ-child.
Gold was (and still is) a valuable precious metal, which was associated
with royalty. This gift was a tangible acknowledgement of Christ’s kingship.
Frankincense was often used in conjunction with burnt offerings. This gift was
a tangible acknowledgement of the sacrifice, or offering, that this child would
grow up to be. Myrrh was a spice used for embalming. The gift was a tangible
acknowledgment of the fact that this baby would grow up to die for the sins of
mankind.
Tangible objects and time are just one type of gift; the word has
another applicable meaning for believers in the world today. A gift is also
defined as “a natural ability or talent.” It is also freely given with the expectation
that it be used fully, cheerfully, and wisely. According to Scripture, throwing
this gift in corner, unused, or worse, whining about it and being ungrateful is
a sin.
“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special
function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we
all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for
doing certain things well” (Romans 12:4-6).
Christ’s birth was a gift of hope for mankind. The Magi’s
gifts were given in humility and holiness to recognize and worship Christ the
king. Christ’s death and resurrection was a gift of grace to mankind. And, we,
too, who have been sanctified through Christ are also gifts who have been
equipped with gifts to do His work on earth until He returns. There is no shopping, there are no returns, and
wrapping is not required. This gift merely requires us to be the people God
asks us to be by maintaining a close relationship with him and using the
talents that have been specifically designated to us.
“So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out
with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve
them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others,
be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you
leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift
for showing kindness to others, do it gladly” (Romans 12: 7-8).
Whether it’s Christmas or the other 364 days in the year, it’s
important to remember that it’s not about what we get; it’s about what we give.
Give generously, joyfully, and ceaselessly.
Daily Challenge: Volunteer.
No more talking about doing it. Pick an organization or task today and commit
to it. Tell someone else whom you know will help you to be accountable.
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