While helping my mother wrap Christmas gifts for the children at her church, my nephew Jessie (6), decides to wrap his own gifts which he wants to give to his brother & cousins. Wondering what gifts he could possibly have, my mother, asked him what does he need to be wrapped. I have a collection of children's books at home which my mother reads to her grandchildren when they visit. Jessie's takes a few of them to wraps and labels each of the (with the minimal assistance) and says "We don't have to buy expensive gifts ma, we can give them what we have."
Jessie is one of the most mature 6 year olds I have had the pleasure of interacting with. He has a keen sense of observation and is always looking out for those younger than him. He always ensures that his brother and cousins are happy and having fun. I truly hope this develops as he grows.
It takes us, adults, many years to develop this type of understanding of - give what we have! Especially when it comes to our relationship with Christ.
Apart from giving a part of ourselves, we assume that it needs to be accompanied by lavish gifts like money, property, degrees, etc. These are "nice to haves", but I don't think that is what God wants. If He did, then many people who don't possess these would be rendered disqualified from a relationship with the Father.
Also, when we give, there is a hidden expectation. "Give and you will receive" - why can't we just give. Give even if you don't receive.
We can learn a lot from children. Their hearts are innocent and they give without reservation.
The creator of the heavens and earth does not need our bank accounts in order to keep the world in motion. We can't impress the Father with our lavish gifts or offerings. He sees our hearts and He knows our intentions.
Many of the most valuable gifts come from what we have:
- Our time
- Love
- Kindness
- A kind word
- A simple greet
- A smile
This Christmas, I would like to encourage your to give what you have. Don't have expectations of how its received or if its reciprocated. Just give, because giving in itself is a gift.
Give not just to your friends and family but also to the One who was sent so that we can have eternal life though Him. Give your yourself to Christ wholeheartedly and without reservation to the King of kings.
