Monday, December 24, 2012 -- Advent Week 4 -- The Gifted Life
Monday December 24, 2012
One of my favorite Christmas songs is “The Little Drummer Boy” because in spite of being a little guy with not very much, he “gets it.” He wants to do something for the new king but initially, doesn’t know how. He’s not a rich wise man. He doesn’t have anything even close to gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The little guy thinks and he realizes that while he may not have an expensive present to give to Jesus, He can play his drum for him. And so he does and as the song goes, “The ox and lamb kept time … I played my drum for Him ….. I played my best for Him …”. From what he had the little drummer boy took a risk, reached out and offered his gift to Jesus. There’s recognition when he’s done playing that it was a good thing, a lovely gift, and the right thing because the last line of the song says, “Then he (Jesus) smiled at me …. Me and my drum.”
Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (James 1:16-18)
Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. (1 Timothy 4:13-15)
One of the wonderful ways we can live in a new way is the leaving behind of our self-centered, self-pitying “poor me” ways. We can live the “gifted” life and bless God and others so that we regularly see and enjoy the “smile” of God. It’s not about having a lot of money and influence. It’s about receiving, recognizing, and enjoying what we have been given. It’s in our desire to bless someone else.
What have we received from God? God wants to give us new life. Have we received it? If not, why not now? When Jesus comes to live in us He fills us with good gifts. What gifts do I have? What abilities? What time? In what small or large ways can I offer something to another person that will bring a smile to their face because their heart has been touched? What gifts of thankfulness and worship will I offer to Jesus this Christmas season to acknowledge who He is – the great and glorious King?
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