Our word for today, the forth day of Advent is "gift."John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I love the Christmas song with a refrain that says;
He came special delivery, wrapped up in love,
bound by a promise, sealed by a dove
And filled with the spirit, carried by grace,
you knew where He was goin', by the look on His face
Jesus was God's greatest gift to mankind. He became both the gift and the giver.
During this time of the year it is easy to focus on the giving and receiving of gifts. Perhaps you have heard it said, "It is not the gift, but the thought behind it that counts." Well I would have to disagree with that, somewhat. The thought and the gift really go together. In order for a gift to mean the most it has to be the right kind of gift.
O. Henry was a great writer of short stories in the first part of the twentieth century. One of his stories that has become my favorite has to do with a young couple very much in love. They both had no money with which to get a gift for the other. The lady had beautiful long flowing hair. The young man admired it so very much. However she did not have a proper comb with which to comb it, nor any thing with which to adorn it. On the other hand the young man had a beautiful pocket watch, but no chain with which to attach it to his vest.
The young lady decided to sell her hair to buy a golden watch chain for her beloved. He decided to sell his watch to buy his beloved a tortoise shell comb and some ornaments to adoren her hair. When each realized what the other had done the true nature of a gift became clear. The best gift anyone can give is something of yourself. The price or beauty of a gift is not nearly as important as a gift that embodies something of yourself.
God's gift to us was His precious Son. The thought and gift were both important, because the gift was God himself come in the flesh. Perhaps at this Christmas time you should consider a gift of your time, your help to those in need, or something you have made with your own hands. These are gifts that money alone cannot buy. They include part of yourself.
WHEN GIVING GIVE PART OF YOURSELF
No comments:
Post a Comment