Two Sides of the Season
Thanksgiving and Christmas: lots of yummy food and
indigestion, automatically giving thanks, rushing around to buy gifts. Counting
off how many of the things on your list you get done.
indigestion, automatically giving thanks, rushing around to buy gifts. Counting
off how many of the things on your list you get done.
The most wonderful time of the year, right?
Recently God challenged me with the true wonder of the
season. He used a golden nugget hidden in a scripture I usually skim because I
think it doesn’t apply to me.
season. He used a golden nugget hidden in a scripture I usually skim because I
think it doesn’t apply to me.
Matthew 10:5-14. I’m not going to type the whole passage
here – aren’t you glad – but I’ll give you the gist of it. In verses 7-8, Jesus prepares his disciples to go on a road
trip. He tells them to preach that the kingdom of God is at hand, heal people,
raise the dead, and cast out demons. I know we are to go out and tell the
gospel but the rest of this doesn’t get my attention. After all, I’m not going
to be healing the sick and raising the dead. I sure hope I don’t encounter any
demons!
here – aren’t you glad – but I’ll give you the gist of it. In verses 7-8, Jesus prepares his disciples to go on a road
trip. He tells them to preach that the kingdom of God is at hand, heal people,
raise the dead, and cast out demons. I know we are to go out and tell the
gospel but the rest of this doesn’t get my attention. After all, I’m not going
to be healing the sick and raising the dead. I sure hope I don’t encounter any
demons!
So I scan on.
Next, in verses 9-14, He tells them to go without a
suitcase. I mean, really? No extra clothes, no deodorant, no hairbrush?
Instead, they are to look in each town for a home that will take them in and
provide for them. I know there are missionaries that do exactly this but,
forget it, I’m lugging my bag to the nearest Holiday Inn!
suitcase. I mean, really? No extra clothes, no deodorant, no hairbrush?
Instead, they are to look in each town for a home that will take them in and
provide for them. I know there are missionaries that do exactly this but,
forget it, I’m lugging my bag to the nearest Holiday Inn!
Then God points out the little jewel hidden in verse 8:
Freely you have received, freely give. (NIV)
Sure I am thankful for loads of things and I love to give
gifts – to loved ones, friends, those who give their time and services
throughout the year. I love to get gifts. I even love the wildness of shopping!
gifts – to loved ones, friends, those who give their time and services
throughout the year. I love to get gifts. I even love the wildness of shopping!
But is that what Jesus means?
Freely you have received: Are we aware, are we grateful for
all we have been given?
all we have been given?
Blessings God freely pours out on us: Salvation, friendship,
family…I’m sure you have a long list. Health, talents, the ability to hold a
job. So often, we don’t recognize the richness of these gifts until they are
gone. Praise God for His bountiful gifts! They are without measure, even when times
are hard.
family…I’m sure you have a long list. Health, talents, the ability to hold a
job. So often, we don’t recognize the richness of these gifts until they are
gone. Praise God for His bountiful gifts! They are without measure, even when times
are hard.
In this season, we stand in awe at the birth of God’s Son.
He freely offered His Son to us, to bring us grace and mercy. Our salvation is a
free gift, bought and paid for by Jesus Christ. Praises for this wondrous gift should
pour from our hearts all year long.
Blessings of friendship and love showered on us by those
around us: Prayers, encouragement, fun times, a helping hand at just the right
moment. Most of the time we say, “Thank you,” but we don’t always let them know
how we truly appreciate them. Is there someone who has helped or encouraged you?
Call them, send a card, do something special for them. Show them how much they
mean to you. Sincere gratitude comes from the heart and blesses the giver more
than we can ever imagine.
around us: Prayers, encouragement, fun times, a helping hand at just the right
moment. Most of the time we say, “Thank you,” but we don’t always let them know
how we truly appreciate them. Is there someone who has helped or encouraged you?
Call them, send a card, do something special for them. Show them how much they
mean to you. Sincere gratitude comes from the heart and blesses the giver more
than we can ever imagine.
Freely give: God’s love is a flowing spring within us, not a
stagnant pond.
stagnant pond.
As He has given, we should give.
- Mercy: Shown to the driver who cuts in front of me or to a
friend who barks sharply at me for no reason. - Grace: Give a cup of coffee or ice-cold drink to a homeless
person or buy a little gift for a loved one…just because. - Love: Hug a friend, or even an acquaintance. Smile at the
worker in the checkout line. Or, best of all, share the hope and joy of the
gospel.
Freely give to others: We should look around and freely give
the blessings we have received.
the blessings we have received.
- A warm house full of loved ones? Invite someone
who will be alone on Christmas day or take an old coat to a collection point. - A table full of food? Help deliver food baskets or take a few things to the local food
pantry. - Joy of a child on Christmas morning? Donate a new or used toy at a
collection point.
Or, the most expensive gift of all: time. Visit someone who
can’t leave their homes very often. Stop and really listen to a friend or even
a stranger who needs encouragement. Join a choir to sing carols at a rest home.
We have received such riches from God, in the past, present,
and future.
and future.
Richly give to others right now and in the future.
You will be blessed!
Get in on the conversation
11 Comments
Hi, I am Sherry Carter. Nice to meet you!
The Conversation
Sherry, Great suggestions on ways we can freely give to others this Christmas. Thank you!
Thank you for stopping by, Crickett. Have a blessed Christmas!
Thank you, as the roar from the local highways and the noise from the passing trains diminishes, we have opportunity to enjoy God's peace and joy. What gift can surpass God's perfect gift.As I sit here with Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus and the wise men, I rejoice in God's Grace. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
You must be in a living nativity scene, Harvey. We do have to focus on God to hear Him over the world's noise, especially this time of year. Merry Christmas!
Very good points of reference to help us appreciate the beautiful gift of this holiday season.
I'm glad this post blessed you. Thanks for commenting!
Excellent post Sherry. Loved the way you remind us the importance of selfless service to God, Christ and those around us. I'm grateful for your love for God and the way He radiates His Spirit through your faith. Merry Christmas and GBY, your family and friends.
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Walter. Thanks for stopping by.
Great message, Sherry! I love your heart! What a great reminder of what this season is truly all about. Thank you so much for sharing and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Love! GOD bless you, beautiful friend! 🙂
We all need reminding, don't we, Tai? Merry Christmas to you and your family. Be blessed!
Sherry,
Wow! My heart jumped in excitement, reading this. I admit needing help keeping the right spirit in this season. Thanks for a great post.