What do you want for Christmas? That is the question we are asking our parents, spouses, kids, and grandkids. We want to make sure the gift we get them is something they want. So much thought and money are put into these gifts that will, in a year, be obsolete and collecting dust. What if it were different? What if we thought like Peter?
Peter and John were on their way to the temple to pray when they saw a crippled man being carried to the gate to beg for money. Every day this man was carried there to beg, because it was money he needed to survive (being crippled he couldn't work). Or so he thought.
As Peter and John passed the crippled man, he begged them for money. Peter's response began how we normally respond, "Silver and gold I do not have." Translation: I don't have any money. But Peter continued with these words that should fill us with awe: "but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!" The man leaped to his feet and began praising God as he walked away. He got something he didn't ask for…but something he needed! (Acts 3:1-10)
What we all need is God. We were made for Him, so deep within us is a longing for Him. Augustine puts it best in saying "Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee?" He is what we all truly want. He is what we all truly need.
Therefore, we must ask ourselves how our gifts, conversations, traditions, and everything else this Christmas can point to Christ. Peter's main purpose in healing the crippled man was not that he would walk, but that he and others would know Christ. This act led to people wondering how this happened, giving Peter the opportunity to preach one of the greatest sermons ever preached in Acts 3:11-26
Here are some ideas of gifts that can point to Christ: One of the best gifts for this is a book that challenges, encourages, and fuels your passion for Christ. Check the blog this month – I will be posting recommendations of books to give as gifts for different types of people, i.e. kids, couples, parents, thinkers, etc. For other gifts, think of things that stir their affections for Christ. Is it listening to music? Buy a CD and put a note about how you hope the creativity and art of song would help them fall deeper in love with the wonder of God. Is it creating music? Buy an instrument, equipment, or lessons and tell them your hope that this ability would cause them to worship God much deeper. Is it art? Buy a canvas and tell them you hope that in painting that would see the beauty of God and His canvas. Is it being around family? Gardening? Photography? Coffee?
The key here is finding what makes them know and love Jesus more. This gives purpose to giving. It makes it not just about the receiver, but about the ultimate giver. We live in a world now that has hijacked Christmas, and it will take everything in us to display the true meaning of Christmas to our family.
Don't give the gift they ask for…give the gift they need.
*adopted from December 2010 Newsletter
*adopted from December 2010 Newsletter
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