Matthew 2:1-18
When the wise men arrived at the place where Jesus was, they went into the house and worshiped Him. Matthew 2:11 says "Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." This verse really got me thinking about the gifts I offer the Lord. What am I offering? Do I offer what I treasure most? And am I joyful when it comes to my giving? Some tough questions, I know, but good to review and consider every so often. (And just so you know, doing this assessment highlighted a few things for me to work on.)
So what about you? What do your gifts to the Lord look like? Are you offering to the Lord those things you treasure? And finally, are you a joyful giver? Tami W.
*Today is the last day of our Voices of Christmas series, so take some time to listen in to some of the conversations that may have taken place during the time of our Savior's birth. You can also get the teaching series & drama on CD to enjoy for years to come.
Giving has become greed in today's culture. I would rather give Jesus my thanks and praise and love to others in need rather than any material gifts to even my family, But I know it wouldn't be Christmas to them if they didn't recieve gifts so I get caught up in that as well. I only hope they will listen as we hear the Christmas story and see that love started with a child. I fail in many ways but in giving we all must remember Jesus first and to help the needy. And pray for the lost. May God be first in our Christmas
I am blessed with the opportunity to provide the gifts of money, food, and time to others and organizations who help others. Per Jesus, the second greatest commandment is to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39).
I also give so the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3). I do tell others about the organizations that help others and how the organizations help others, so they might choose to become involved as well.
I also explain to others how a gift doesn't have to be money. A gift can be one's time. Food banks, shelters, etc. always welcome help to stock shelves, sort clothes, etc.. I also explain need exists beyond the holiday season. For example, shelters have too many volunteers at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but they lack in community response the rest of the year.
God gave us His only begotten Son, so we would have everlasting life (John 3:16). There is no greater gift than this. Any gift I have fails in comparison, but I will continue to give my best (I really mean best)to the Lord. And the Lord knows my best and loves me inspite of my imperfection.
I do offer my financial gifts to the church and to the less fortunate. However I believe that my greatest gift to the Lord is to offer myself in his service to spread the good news of Christmas in my city.
"For unto us is born ..... a saviour who is Christ the Lord..."
Not wanting to take anything away from Back to The Bible . . . I visit here often. Just thought you may also like to read the christmas Story at this page http://familyreadingbible.com/
Merry Christmas all!!
Thank you Doug. I love the reaing guide wreath.