Giving to Jesus Three years ago, I began writing Christmas cards to Jesus—or rather, birthday cards. I got the idea after reading an article about giving birthday gifts to Jesus, either directly or indirectly. Examples included the gift of praise for His love and unfailing care, the gift of faith, and gifts to others of service, kindness, forgiveness, and a listening ear. The list got me thinking. What did Jesus most want from me? What could I give Him for His birthday that would mean the most to Him?
Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of
others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history,
because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has
transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years. Underneath all the bulging
bundles is this beating Christmas heart. When the time came to send my Christmas cards, I picked up my pen and wrote one to Jesus. Dear Jesus, I began. Happy Birthday! Some of the things I pledged to Jesus these past Christmases were probably one-time acts. Others were things I wanted to continue to do in the coming year or indefinitely. None cost money, but most cost time or involved small sacrifices. All, I believe, will have eternal benefits. Last year I wrote my birthday card to Jesus on December 12. My plan was to give Jesus a different gift each day leading up to Christmas Eve. In case you're curious, my gift list this year includes:
* Faith: turning my worries and fears over to God, and trusting that His plan for my life will
work out for the best My prayer is that these gifts will continue to have positive effects long after Christmas is past. Lily Neve is a member of The Family International in South Central Asia. |
