“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for
something else besides ourselves” — Eric Sevareid.
“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be
plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas” — former US President Calvin Coolidge.
“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving” — Mother Theresa.
Today is the day after Christmas. For many it is a day when reality rubs shoulders with an assessment
of necessity and need. Did we buy gifts because we really wanted to share in the joy of giving; or did pressure
of time, money–either too expensive or too cheap influence us, or perhaps did that most despicable of all―peer
pressure, cause us to make unwise decisions. And we all have done this, haven’t we?
May God Almighty save us from the tyranny of spending money we don’t have, to buy something we
don’t want, to impress people we don’t like.
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for
God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
I know. I know. Wait a minute. I know giving gifts at Christmas is not the same as giving an offering at
church! Or, is it? In the foregoing scriptures Paul does not mention an offering plate; or ushers marching
smartly through the church with an offering bag held before them. He only mentions giving with a purposed
heart. And writing to the Colossian church he admonishes that above all these things we are to put on charity,
which is the bond of perfectness. (Re-read the quotation above by Mother Theresa).
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23).
Lest this devotion turn into a sermon, let me just say, “There’s a joy in giving when it is from your
heart.” That’s why a little child fills your heart with joy when they bring a flower, be it a dandelion or a daisy.
That simple flower represents a gift of love … from their heart to yours.
“Give, and it shall be given unto you” (Luke 6:38).
Francis Mason
Pastor Mason
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