Monday, December 23, 2013

Advent Devotional Day 23: Gifts R Us

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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