The holiday season - what is it really all about. Recently we talked about how it is so easy to get wrapped up in the new greatest thing, the coolest toy, the most awesome gift. But ultimately, what is the season about?
The pat answer is "JESUS" of course. But the season is about more than that. God sent his only son to earth to live among mortal men and to pay the ultimate price in order to create a bridge that brings God and us together. One of the greatest lessons that Jesus taught was to give, give, give, and then give some more. Ultimately, Jesus gave so much that he was ridiculed, beaten, condemned, crucified, ridiculed some more, stabbed and finally when "it was finished", he gave up his earthly life.
Jesus set a bar that none can obtain. Yet that should encourage us to try.
Give:
What can you give?
- Money - in today's society often money is the easiest thing we can give. Obviously, many things that work to improve the lives of others costs in today's society. However, it is easy. So if you are moved to give, find a worthy cause and give.
- Belongings - possessions will all fade away. We all came into this world with nothing and we will all leave the same way. Clean out closets, things that have not been used or worn in a while - give them away.
- Time - we can all get involved and give time. Find a ministry and get involved. In today's world and churches, you can find any number of things that feed your passions from tech help to child care to prisons to missions and everything in between. Give of your most prized possession, your time.
- God's word & your story - how has God worked in your life? If you go to your local bookstore you are liable to find numerous self-help books on how to share your faith and your story. However, I have found that the easiest way to do this is to just sit down and talk. Share. Give of your story.
- Love & kindness - sometimes just a kind word can be the difference between an outlook of another. You never know how what you say or do can drastically effect someone else. Give the gift of love. Randomly do something kind for someone else.
Who can you give to?
- This is probably the easiest - you can give to anyone. It is often not easy to discern who needs it the most. That is not up to you to decide. It is just up to you to do. Give...give...give...and then give some more!!!
When you are approaching this holiday season, look at different ways that you can give. Help those in need. Give of your talents, give of your time, give of your resources. Live life in a way that mirrors the love of Jesus.
Blessings to each of you this holiday season. God loves each of you and so do I.
Pastor Jim
AWESOME post, Jim! I think sometimes that the hardest part of giving is just forcing yourself to do it. Societally, we are gift givers to celebrate specific occassions (birthdays, Christmas, etc.), and we feel uncomfortable giving some of these gifts to others. Especially the unconventional ones (time, your story, God's love). Especially at the unconventional times (feeling someone needs your time, could use your story, doesn't know God's love). It's that first (sometimes awkward) step that begins an amazing journey. Hey, I'd still be floating around a church shopping if you didn't invite me to check out CRC! Thanks for keeping the perspective! Love you!
ReplyDelete