Giving seems to be a popular thing to do during the Christmas/Advent season. We give all sorts of different gifts. We give toys to a child or grandchild; we give homemade gifts to a grandparent or parent; we bake cookies and give those away to friends and colleagues. We also give part of our finances away. Stop and ask yourself why. Why do I focus on giving so much right now? For some people, it may be because it's a longstanding tradition or because they receive a tax break in doing so. For others, it may be because they are expected to give. Yet for others, it is because of what God has given for them. Whatever the reason is, this season is quite a season of giving.
During this season, we also create lists of things we want and things that would be fun to have. We might even focus a little bit on things we want. And instead of giving to the poor, we want people to give to us. Instead of creating a list of things you want, how about creating a list of things you can give away and to whom? Try it today. Believe it or not, that's what God did. That's what we remember in Advent. God created His list of things to give away. What started at Christmas came to a culmination on the cross on Good Friday and in the empty tomb on Easter morning. Jesus gave away His life. Everything He has, He now gives to us-eternal life for all who believe in Jesus Christ our Lord. Thanks be to God!
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for giving everything for us. Help us to love others like You have loved us. Amen.
Written by Pastor Adam Parvey
Redeemer Lutheran Church
Springfield, Missouri
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