Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Part 3

Throughout this week, we have been looking at what makes this time of year so “wonderful.” We’ve looked at the freedom that we have here in this wonderful country; and yesterday, we looked at the wonderful relationships we have with our family and friends. Today, we will touch on one aspect of Christmas that everyone is aware of...and more than likely…stressing out over. GIVING!!

And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I entrust My spirit.” Saying this, He breathed His last. Luke 23:46-47 HCSB

YOU’RE A TOOL!!! Now the real question is are you a useful tool or not. WAIT!!! I guess the better question is are you a usable tool or not? Or are you sitting there like a rusty pair of pliers trying to look like a hammer? WHAT IS THIS GUY TALKING ABOUT???? Well, let me try to explain myself. God has blessed everyone...I repeat...EVERYONE...with gifts, talents, traits, abilities that are to be used during our brief stay on this planet. A tool can only be a tool if it is used. If it’s not being used, it’s just a “thing.” The Christmas season provides many, many opportunities to take your “tools” and use them. It is a wonderful time of year to start using those abilities, or for some, continue using them. We just have to be willing to give.

Every moment of every day (especially during the holiday season), we have an opportunity to give. One of the wonderful things about this time of year is that giving is on the forefront of every mind. The sad part is that for most people, so is receiving. Before coming to LifeWay, I worked with a non-profit benevolence organization in Colorado (similar to the Salvation Army). One afternoon, I was speaking with a gentleman who had just recently made a very significant contribution. The tax write-off on the contribution alone would have been a great deal of money. However, when I asked him if he needed a receipt for tax purposes, he replied, “No thanks. If I got something in return, it would be trading. It wouldn’t be giving.” What a profound thought. In this day and age, so many of us (myself included) confuse giving and receiving with true giving. Giving is not giving unless there is less of you afterward, and in return, you will receive more than you can imagine.…..okay……let me say that one more time. Giving is not giving unless there is less of you afterward, and in return, you will receive more than you can imagine.

Some opportunities may take the shape of giving monetarily to a favorite organization, or giving a gift to that special someone, or most significantly offering your time. Money can be earned again later. Gifts can be exchanged. But your time is the one thing you can give that you will never get back. Jesus took it one step further. He gave us His LIFE!!! And in turn, gave time to us…eternal time. In Luke 23:46, Jesus paid off this gift of salvation with His life. And the odd part about it is that He asks nothing in return...well, almost nothing. He asks only to accept the gift He so freely offers.

Over the next few weeks, I urge you to take the advice of the One who offers such an extravagant gift. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39 When you love, you give. When you give, you receive spiritually. When you receive spiritually, you are blessed. And when you are blessed, love. So this holiday season...GIVE!!!

Father, God, may we never forget the wondrous act of love You showed by offering Your one and only Son to be the gift of salvation to humanity. During this season of giving gifts and holiday celebrations, may we remember Your Gift with every gift we give and celebrate that Gift with every moment. Give us the strength and compassion to love those around us. May we look to Your Son as THE example. Father, it is in His name we pray. Amen.