A young lady was in her first year of teaching first graders. On the last day of school before Christmas recess, the kids all lined up to give her presents.
The first student gave her a small box. She shook it and heard little things rattling inside. Knowing that the child’s father owned a candy store, she said, “I know what this is—it’s a box of candy!” “Yes, teacher, it’s candy.”
The next student handed her a thin, long box. Her father owned a flower shop in town, so she said, “I know what this is—you gave me flowers!” “Yes teacher, it’s a bunch of flowers.”
The next student handed her a tall box. His father owned the local grocery store. As she began unwrapping the box, she noticed that it was leaking. She touched her finger to a droplet and tasted it. “I know what this is—it’s champagne!” “No,” said the grinning student. She tasted it again. “Is it wine?” The child replied, “No—it’s a puppy.”
Now I know I got at least a smirk out of you!
I trust that you and your families enjoyed a special Christmas together. Our lives have certainly been blessed with the HOPE – JOY – PEACE – and LOVE of the Christmas message.
The gift of God wrapped in a manger is a gift that is still being given today. About a month ago, when thinking about a suitable after-Christmas message, I remembered Sandi Patty’s song “The Gift Goes On.” Thus, the sermon title today.
“Don’t you love to get a present wrapped up in a Christmas bow?
God gave each of us a present on that night so long ago.
It’s a Gift that keeps on giving if our spirits can receive,
It’s the secret joy of living if our hearts can just believe.
When your life is full of Christmas then your life is full of love,
You can give away the present that began with God above.
Just like ripples in the water, the circles of our love extend.
What was started with the Father is a Gift that has no end.
The Father gave the Son,
The Son gave the Spirit,
The Spirit gives us life,
So we can give the Gift of love.
And the Gift goes on...”
Yes, the gift of God continues to give us “abundant life!” But many people are like those who planned a party in honor of a special friend. They sent invitations, decorated the hall, and had the food catered. The people gathered at the appointed time—but to their surprise, the guest of honor was not there.
Finally, they made the embarrassing discovery that no one had actually invited the guest of honor! Sadly, that happens each Christmas—decorating, shopping, preparing elaborate meals—yet somehow the honored Guest is not invited to His own birthday celebration.
Having received the gift of God into our lives, it remains our ongoing source of HOPE, JOY, PEACE, and most certainly, LOVE.
A blessed New Year to you!
No comments:
Post a Comment