Monday, December 19, 2016

Our Gift


 

original art (c) 2011 by Catherine Hershberger

Last night the children at our church presented their Christmas program entitled Our Gift. The MC of the presentation, one of the youth group members, spoke about the gifts the baby Jesus received at his birth: the gift of a mother willing to do God’s will, the shepherds who gave the gift of time as they rushed to Bethlehem and spread the word about the Christ, and the three gifts the wise men brought—gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then he talked about the gifts each of us brings to the world, each other, and to the Lord’s service, and he spoke about how each gift, although different—like the different parts of the body—contributes to the whole of the church.

As he spoke, each of the children executed a talent they had. One played several simple melody- line-only songs on the piano. Another played Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star on the trumpet. A Boy Scout assembled a tent. We had a gymnast perform a routine. Two youths demonstrated Taekwondo.  We saw a short video composed by another child. A boy read a short Christmas story written by one of the girls. Other youths, who weren’t on stage, worked the microphones, created the programs, and baked goodies for the refreshments afterward. The closing prayer was even covered by a young boy.

I have to admit it was one of the most unusual Christmas programs I have seen. There wasn’t a lot of flash or pomp. No big sets, musical songs, or knock-your-socks-off Hollywood performances. Just children displaying their talents, however simple they might be, in a sweet, honest attempt to teach those listening that everyone has a gift they can lay at Jesus’ feet.

It was also a humbling Christmas program. As adults who’ve grown up in a society that emphasizes bigger equals better, sometimes we aren’t happy with the small gifts we can offer. After all, wouldn’t raising a million dollars for a God’s cause be better received than twenty or even fifty dollars? If God loves a cheerful giver, then surely he loves a cheerful giver who gives even more than the next guy in the pew, right?

Yet last night, the children reminded us that no gift is too small to bring to Jesus.  When we work together, for the Lord, combining our gifts like the youth did last night, we can have a far reaching impact—one that will spread the message of the manger—For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Over two thousand years ago, God delivered a gift to the world—a tiny baby whose birth would change the lives of every person who chooses to accept his gift. If the God of the heavens can present us with such a big gift, then surely we can offer him whatever gifts we have, no matter how small they are, or what they are. When you celebrate the Lord’s birth this Christmas season, lay a gift from your heart at his manger. God is ready to accept whatever you give.


 

 Catherine Castle has been writing all her life. Before beginning her career as a romance writer she worked part-time as a freelance writer. She has over 600 articles and photographs to her credit, under her real name, in the Christian and secular market. Besides writing, Catherine loves traveling with her husband, singing, and attending theatre. In the winter she loves to quilt and has a lot of UFOs (unfinished objects) in her sewing case. In the summer her favorite place to be is in her garden. She’s passionate about gardening and even won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club.
Her debut inspiration romantic suspense, The Nun and the Narc, from Soul Mate Publishing was an ACFW Genesis Finalist, a 2014 EPIC finalist, and the winner of the 2014 Beverly Hills Book Award and the 2014 RONE Award.
 


13 comments:

  1. A refreshing post reminding us no gift is to small to offer to God and a ministry. This reminder me of the song "Little Drummer Boy" who played for Baby Jesus as the song goes because he had no other gift to give. God uses ordinary people to do great things for Him. Thank you for sharing. A blessed Christmas filled with God's gifts of love, joy, peace, and hope.

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  2. Marilyn, how true. The Little Drummer Boy is a favorite song of mine for the veey reason you mentioned. A blessed Christmas to you, too.

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  3. Thank you for taking today! I love your timely and practical message. It must have been a wonderful experience. God bless you this Christmas!

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    1. You're welcome. God provides what we need when we need it. Blessings to you in this special season.

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  4. I enjoyed your post and your reminder of our greatest gift. I was also reminded that God doesn't need big productions or extreme displays of admiration. The children in our church never cease to amaze me when they present our Christmas programs because, even if it isn't always the way it was practiced over and over again, everyone received a blessing! I hope I never have to give up seeing. Our annual Christmas program!
    Merry Christmas!!

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  5. Children are such as blessing, aren't they? Have a wonderful Christmas!

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  6. A church I used to attend did this every year. It was called The Little Drummer Boy Pageant. Anyone could go up on stage and show their "talents" to the congregation.
    Have a blessed Christmas!

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  7. So True and Inspirational. Thanks for sharing with us today.

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  8. You're welcome. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.

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  9. What a lovely post. Very inspiring. I hope you'll come over
    to Count Down To Christmas and share this!
    The link is here:
    http://ourholidayjourney.blogspot.com/2016/12/count-down-to-christmas-party-with.html
    Thanks for writing this post.
    Merry Christmas.

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  10. Glad you liked it. I'm not sure how to link to your Countdown party, but thanks for the invitation.

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  11. Glad you liked it. I'm not sure how to link to your Countdown party, but thanks for the invitation.

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