The empty feeling many of us experience this time of year is one of absence: and it is not just of loved ones we have lost. It includes the ones who are still with us, but not really present. It is the lack of interest in us that our supposed loved ones seem to show. It is the preoccupation with technology, or sports goods, or precious gifts, or even what is on the TV, that leaves us side-lined. (When we do it others suffer too.) So give one another your self, your interest, your concerns, your time, and your love.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
What to give your God?
We have nothing to offer God that will make him love us more, but if we give him our time, our willingness to serve and our obedience, then he challenges us for coming year. Using whatever gifts we have received to share his message of love in word and deed.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 1 Peter 4:10
What to give your Self?
Now this is also a good question. We may get a gift of money for ourselves, maybe a voucher, maybe even a subscription. Deciding how to spend the extra money released by others’ kindness – due to the gift – releases us to do something very healthy. Have you ever thought of using that cash to equip you to be a better servant of Jesus:
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Acts 20:28
Have a good Christmas, and spend yourself – not just your limited money – well.
e.g. I recently bought an app which reads the bible to me in a choice of versions. (It is called Dwell) It helps me slow down in daily bible reading. Whether you are a sunday school leader, minister, student or teacher; a spouse, parent or student; be careful how you gift yourself, but remember to be generous in your giving to others. SHL
