“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).
There’s a knot in my stomach this morning.
It’s about the gifts I’ve given this Christmas.
Yes, so far everyone seemed tickled about the selections I’ve made and wrapped up as presents.
But I truly believe, hence the sick feeling, that there’s One I truly disappointed with my gift giving this season.
See, I’ve been thinking about what I gave the Baby this Christmas. No, let’s reword that, I’ve been thinking about how little I gave the Baby this Christmas.
Not to extol the virtues of my giving, but to explain to you why I’m sickened over it, I’ll share what I wrapped up for the Christ-child…
-A few songs. Yes, I sang in the cantata. I ministered to the congregation in the best voice I could. But truly, I didn’t worship God while I sang. My mind was running over lists, things to do, gifts left to purchase, et cetera, et cetera. The Baby got a half-interested attempt.
-A few dollars. We threw some currency towards the issue of the needy this season. Our church’s motto one Christmas season was “Do all you can for as many as you can,” but it wasn’t mine. I gave to say I gave. The Baby no doubt was less than impressed.
-A time slot. Amidst the hustle and bustle of a shreds of wrapping-paper Christmas morning, we read the Baby’s story. We were reminded about the decree that went out, the journey, the inn-keeper’s response, the stable and the star. The Baby was given a few moments of our time.
-A little effort. A few evenings working with the kids on a Christmas program. A few hours at a community lunch provided by our church. A few Christmas cards. Some baking. A little patience and a reading of His story to the littlest ones in AWANA. A few hearty Merry Christmases. A decision, and a goal reached, of staying within budget on the money He allotted us to use this Christmas on gifts. But was it what the Baby wanted?
God’s grace is a covering I’m depending upon as I look over what I gave the Christ Child. God’s mercy is what I’m hoping for as I think of how little He could do to repay me. God’s love for me, me, is what I’m asking Him for as I sit sickened this morning about the minute honor, value and effort I put into giving Him what He truly wanted this Christmas.
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Ask God to give you a grateful, giving heart that keeps Christmas all year long.
