With so much commercialization of the birth of Christ this message was refreshing. Jabez asked for God to bless him so that he could be a blessing to someone else. Not only that, he asked for God to protect him from himself and evil. We all know how we can get when God blesses us - we focus on the blessing so much that we forget just who blessed us and the purpose behind the blessing: To be a blessing to someone else.
I'm not into presents anymore, it is played out. So you will not find me running around from store to store trying to find the perfect gift - no offense to those that do. Beside that - I don't have the money anyway.
Sure my kids go through the "I want, I want, I want - blues" because Christmas is rolling around. And of course my response to them is - what gifts are you bringing to the table? Have you saved up any money to buy anyone anything?
No? Exactly.
The wise men, brought gifts to Jesus. They didn't come without anything. They brought their best. Some may not be in the position to come to God with their best. But that is why God is so good. That is what Jesus is about. When you come to him, you may come feeling empty, with brokenness, with your mess, our shame, our sin and heavy burdens - we can lay these things at his feet.
Just like the wise men laid their gifts in front of the child Jesus and praised him.
Who are we praising with the gifts we buy our kids that in less than a month will be obsolete and forgotten? Sure they will be excited, the wrapping paper all around, beautiful bows forgotten in the corner, boxes torn open - the quick fizzy fizz now over. But what lesson are they learning?
How can we show our kids what Christmas is about? I'm glad you asked.
MEMORIES. Create Christmas memories. Volunteer at a food or soup kitchen. Have your kids go through their clothes and toys they don't want to give to those who need something. Troll twitter and Facebook and look for people who are in need and give to them.
Radio stations fulfill Christmas wishes all the time - donate to them.
Christmas is about giving of ourselves - the best part of us. It's about Jesus Christ and Jesus was about LOVE. I want to get back to love.
How will you get back to giving and love this season? Let me know!
1 comment:
we receive more when we give..
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