The Thanksgiving turkey has been reduced to a bony carcass, and all that remains of the pumpkin pie are a few crumbs in the bottom of the pie tin. That can only mean one thing; Christmas will soon be here. Over the next few weeks as we enter fully into this season marked by giving, I’d like to share with you a few ways that you can give more even though you, yourself, may be spent.
In the first chapter of Luke’s Gospel, we find a piece of Scripture that has become known as “Mary’s Magnificat”. In this song, Mary, the mother of Jesus, praises God for His faithfulness to His people. Couched within the words is a recount of some of the many ways that God has given to His people. Let us look here to find direction for our own giving this Christmas season.
In Mary’s song, she says that God, “…has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.” Through the glory of Creation, God has allowed us to choose Him. When we humble ours and choose Him, He is faithful to bring us up out of our life of sin, and empower us with the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Because we have this new life and this new power, let us give according to our authority.
But be mindful, this power is not power to be lorded over others. Rather, it is a power that reigns within our hearts and allows us to give in a way that we have never given before. It is the power to give with hope as the impetus; hope not only for ourselves, but others, as well. This Christmas, give with the authority that was secured for you on the cross of Calvary, and ratified at the empty tomb. Let the hope of the Gospel empower your giving this Christmas.
Remember, “We give more when we give of ourselves.”