OUR FATHER, help us to appreciate the joy of giving as we hear of YOUR BIRTH. Help us to take care of those less fortunate. Let us remember of the loved ones unable to be here. YOUR short life was a life of giving. May we remember this. For these things we ask in YOUR NAME. Amen.
I read this and two verses jump to mind.
First, James 1:26-27 (NIV): "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that GOD OUR FATHER accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
And then 2 Corinthians 9:7-8: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for GOD loves a cheerful giver. And GOD is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
You give, you get. But getting isn't supposed to be the point. I know you've just heard that a few times during the Christmas season -- which ends on Epiphany by the church calendar, but is already over for most of us. You've probably heard it in a few soggy, cheesy forms, but the facts don't dilute. People will know you by your deeds long after your words escape their memories. Okay, there's another one of those soggy cliches we keep hearing. It's only a cliche because so many people scoff at it.
No comments:
Post a Comment