Want to Give a Gift?

For some weeks now I’ve been receiving ‘mail’ imploring me to be generous and give from my wealth to the poor, the needy, the sick, the forgotten, the neglected and the abused. Each piece of paper reveals a story of Man’s sheer selfishness and greed inasmuch as these stories are about real and very urgent needs.

As I read these documents I am reminded again that despite a huge social services department, amazing hospitals, good housing and comparatively little deprivation compared to the rest of the world, Britain still has enormous problems yet to be solved.

But I also noticed that each of these ‘ads’ used the Christian theme of God’s amazing gift of a Saviour for all peoples, as the centre of their message, in order to suggest that as God was exceedingly generous, so too should I be in supporting their particular charity.

Now I do recognise the need to touch people’s hearts as well as their pockets if these organisations are to fulfil their aims. However, I think that these charities, like most of us, miss the whole point of Christmas. It has nothing to do with us being generous, hospitable, loving or kind to others, although all of these things should be part of the Christian persona and the Christmas story, and should be increasingly practised at all times. No, the whole point of Christmas is God giving to us His only Son to be our Saviour. And with Him, hope, love and fullness of life. Oh I know that we should want to emulate God’s great gift and give to others too, but surely the greatest gift we could give this Christmas is the good news of a Saviour who dies in our place to secure our forgiveness?

This Christmas you will be sharing gifts with family and friends and enjoying the strong emotions that fill you with delight when you know that what you’ve given is well received and appreciated. But how much more would you be touched and overjoyed if what you shared, gave this Christmas, restored your family or friends to a rightful relationship with God. So, this Christmas give something life-changing, give the truth about Jesus, who is Christ the Lord.

“She (Mary) will bring a son to birth and when she does, you, Joseph will name him Jesus - ‘God saves’ - because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matt 1, The Message)

With Christmas blessings to you all.
Your Pastor, Howard

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