Christmas 2023 - Day 4: Christmas and Your Gift

And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Mt 2:11
 
It is said that the tradition of exchanging gifts at Christmas finds its roots in the story of the Magi who offered their best gifts to the Christ child. It is truly amazing how twisted, and man centered this Christmas tradition has become. The Magi’s giving was centered entirely on Christ. They brought their very best in order to honor and worship this newborn King of kings. Think about that. This little baby is the creator of all things. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. (Col 1:16). The Magi could only give back what He had already created and given them. The same is true for you and me. Now when you ponder the gifts of the Magi, each was obviously carefully considered, sacrificially given, skillfully crafted and reverently offered. Each of us has been graciously given at least one gift that is to be carefully considered, sacrificially given, skillfully crafted and reverently offered back to Jesus Christ. (1Co 12:4-5).

Let me ask you something; does your heart burn with a passionate desire to bring a worthy gift - sometimes to the point that you cannot contain it? In the well-known Christmas song, “Little Drummer Boy” a child humbly plays his drum for Jesus because it’s the only gift he has to bring. When he finishes drumming, incredibly, Jesus smiles in approval at the boy’s gift. That’s when we see the most remarkable thing. The boy leaves his drum at Jesus’ feet indicating his desire that his gift belong entirely to Jesus and no one else. Now, by God’s most gracious providence, I was alone when I heard that song for the first time this season and I suddenly found myself broken and uncontrollably weeping before the throne of God, begging Him that He might make my preaching a carefully considered, sacrificially given, skillfully crafted - worthy gift - reverently offered back to Him. It is all I have.

What’s your gift? Have you offered it back to God? Would you be so moved at this moment to plead the same fervent prayer concerning your gift?
 
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1Pe 4:10–11