At some point during the Christmas season, we take our kids shopping for each other, or maybe for a friend. It's a good chance for some one-on-one time, and for a chance to talk through the process of buying a gift for someone else. It always starts out the same way: they find something they want for themselves, and then start to do a little math - if they spend less on the gift, can they afford to get themselves something?
And with a little - or a lot - of reminding that Christmas is about thinking of others, they finally let go of their own wish and start to think about what the recipient might love.
Yesterday, Vava started singing happy birthday to Jesus while we were hanging out in the kitchen. When she left, Pascal asked me what we're giving Jesus for his birthday. I told him that Jesus counts all the kindnesses we do for others as if we had given them to him, especially the giving we do in secret and when the recipients can't give to us in return.
These are the words of Jesus:
Matthew 25:35-40 ESV
[35] For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, [36] I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ [37] Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? [38] And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? [39] And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ [40] And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Matthew 6:19-21 ESV
[19] “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Every evening from December1-24, I sit and rummage through the thoughts and experiences of my day, looking for love and looking for Jesus. Thank you for seeking him alongside me. I hope you've found him, right there in the hands receiving your bounty, right there where your heart is. If your heart is broken, I pray for you healing. If your heart is lonely, I pray for you comfort. If your heart is glad, I pray for you to be able to share it.
May God bless you with the chance to both give and receive his love this Christmas, my friends.
Xo
No comments:
Post a Comment