This question pops up a lot in December conversations. Often we say we love giving, but pair that statement with the rhetorical, "What do you give the person who has everything?" Surely some say "'it's better to receive," in quaint honestly, but we all recognize 'tis the season of giving, right?
This time of year is about generosity... find just the perfect gift for each person on our list... make the most of our budget... give to those in need. If we trust the marketing and casual conversation, Christmas, or "the holidays," really are all about giving. Even in spiritual circles, we're given "The Wise Men" as examples - bringing things of great worth to Jesus. Shine yourself up and purchase something grand. Bring your best, give your best, because 'tis better to give.
But Christmas, at its core, isn't about giving. At least, it's not about our gifts. In fact, if you want to see what God thinks of our gifts to Him, look here...
I think we like giving because it allows us to think of ourselves as the people who have everything. I've heard a lot of people tell me, "I really don't need anything." We recognize we are full... cluttered... overwhelmed... with the stuff we've already given ourselves. We believe there is nothing we need that we can't provide for ourselves. We sound altruistic when we talk about those "in need," but listen closer and you may hear the tones of arrogance and pride under some generous phrases.
So it may surprise you that I'm not writing about "relational giving,: or giving "experiences instead of stuff," or any other catch-phrase of the season. I'm writing to challenge you to receive. Truly, truly receive.
Because this is the season of receiving.
No matter how much we'd like to make it all about what we give - our money, our craftiness, our time, even our hearts - it's not. It's about something we cannot give. We weren't even enlightened enough or honest enough to ask for it in advance. It takes humility and a broken heart to even ask for it, and most of us don't want to look at our broken heart or humble ourselves. However, this is the greatest Gift. There is one Gift for everyone who will recognize they cannot earn it, they cannot reciprocate, they cannot find it elsewhere or make it for themselves.
They - we - can only receive... and celebrate.
Yes, 'tis probably easier to give, but better to receive. Make room in your home... your workplace... your schedule... your heart. Receive the Gift - a savior, a king, a teacher, a friend.
3 comments:
Oh, I love this reminder! It's so true, isn't it? And when we truly dwell on the gift of grace we've been given, everything else fades away in it's importance.
LM, so true. I often think of your post last summer - asking "Does grace live in your home?" When we receive grace from that true Source, we cannot help but give freely.
Merry Christmas.
Post a Comment