At church this morning, the pastor’s sermon was about the gifts that each of the main players in the Christmas story brought. The angels delivered a song, resonating through the quiet fields above the shepherds’ heads. The shepherds carried the story of Jesus to everyone and anyone who would listen, in essence offering their “lives and lips” to proclaim what they had discovered. The wise men, of course, offered gold, frankincense and myrrh – their wealth. They added stealth to that when they ducked out on Herod and went home. Mary offered her submission to God’s plan when it must have been a heavy load to carry. I’d think she also offered a great deal of faith and patience as the mother of a Perfect Child.
Each one of these people or groups offered the very best they had.
The question I have been pondering all afternoon is, What do I give Him?
I offer my heart and passion in the classroom with the hope that my students see Jesus in me though I can’t name Him in my public school classroom. I offer my best ideas and words in what I write, praying that my readers are touched and God is glorified by my efforts. I try my best as a wife, mom, and gramma, friend. I offer my voice once a month to led worship at church – though not always in tune or on the beat. I try to always offer a thankful heart, even when bombarded with stress, and problems and the hectic-ness of days – except maybe on Thursday of a cold and snowy week when we haven’t sent the kids outside to recess even one time! Do I offer the best of what I have and what I am? Not always. I want to.
What a comfort that it isn’t up to me to earn God’s salvation or love – I just have to accept it.
Have a wonderful, blessed Christmas.
