On my desk sits a small figurine statue that a friend gave me many years ago. It is a statue of a preacher-man standing at his pulpit. The person who gave me this gift took the liberty to recolor the preacher's hair so that it matched mine - silvery-grey. And she also wrote my name on the front of the pulpit.
Even though it was a gag-gift at the time, for some reason I have always treasured it and kept it either on a shelf or on my desk in the office. I pick it up every once-in-a-while and look at it. It reminds me of friends from my past and the good times and bad times we shared together. So far it has withstood two moves to different churches, but has remained un-chipped and unbroken to end up on my desk once again.
My statue is a sentimental gift that has specific value to me. On the market it might cost a few dollars, but to me its value goes beyond market value. It brings with it a legacy of memories that represent a certain era of my time in ministry. It reminds me of such things as mistakes I've made, (and hopefully will not make them again), the friendships that were established, and the many accomplishments of ministry.
On Christmas morning people in North America and around the world will rise early (especially if you have children in the home) to open gifts. Unfortunately, in many homes not a lot of appreciation is given to the gift. Instead, the gift is hastily unwrapped, looked at for a seconds, and then thrown into a pile so as to move on to the next gift. That's why both the giver and the receiver should look at gifts as having meaning and purpose. There certainly would be less spending if gifts were given and received with such motives behind them.
The greatest gift ever given was given with great purpose. Born unto mankind, a Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. He was and is the proverbial gift that keeps on giving. The gift of Jesus did not simply stop being a gift once he was born, but continued throughout His life and ministry and through His sacrifice and resurrection; and on and on it goes. Is there any greater gift with purpose than this?
Gifts can become a part of a person's legacy just as Jesus wants to be a part of your legacy. The Bible says that He became the firstfruits of those who will live - and not only those who will live forever, but He promises the full abundance of life as God intended it right here and now as well.
You don't have to wait until Christmas morning to receive the gift of Jesus Christ. You can open it right now. Just say, "Lord, I want to know who you really are - please come into my life. Start me on my journey of faith. Amen." Praying that simple little prayer will open the spiritual side of you to the wonders of God and to salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.
Merry Christ Birthday,
-Leo
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