Texas District

Gift giving can be difficult at times. Let’s face it: some people are hard to shop for! But have you ever stopped to wonder why gift-giving is important? What’s a gift really about anyway? Giving gifts to friends and family is an ancient ritual of nearly every known human culture. Gifts signify a relationship (or the desire for one) and are meant to delight, honor, and/or surprise the recipient. In our attempt to do just that we seek to give a gift that is an expression of that loving relationship, but it often gets deduced down to giving the gift that a person either wants or needs but does not already have.

 

So what do we give Jesus, the King of kings? On Epiphany, we are fondly reminded of the story when magi journeyed from afar to worship the newborn King Jesus bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Now these were extraordinary gifts to be given to a child. But what should we give Jesus, today? What does Jesus need or want that he doesn’t already have? What would bring him delight, honor, or surprise? And what do I really have to offer? In honor of the magi, I’d like to propose three gift-giving suggestions:

First of all, give Jesus yourself. Take time to be with him, commune with him, worship him, and walk with him. In the busy-ness of our day-to-day lives we can be neglectful of our relationship with Jesus. Remember above all else, Jesus desires to be in relationship with you and with me.

 

Secondly, give Jesus the very best of what he’s given you. God has uniquely created you with interests and talents and abilities. In this Epiphany season, remember how Jesus is calling you to use what he’s given you to give Jesus honor. Ask God for guidance of how you can serve him with the gifts he’s already given you.

 

Finally, give Jesus the introduction to a friend. Just as Jesus desires to be in a relationship with you, he desires to have that with all of people. Take time to introduce Jesus to a friend. Do all your friends already know Jesus? Then it is time to make some new friends with people who don’t! Pray for God to guide you every step of the way and watch with awe and wonder as the Holy Spirit creates faith in the heart of your friend.

 

In this season of Epiphany we are reminded of the privilege we have to delight, honor, and surprise Jesus with our gifts. Let’s cherish every gift-giving opportunity and live our lives to the honor and glory of God, giving thanks for his goodness and mercy!

 

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