IT IS more blessed to give than receive, but is it? What about Christmas, when people run up debts to buy the latest technology only to see the queues at customer services wanting refunds on Boxing Day, or those who see Christmas as the season for ‘what can I get’?

The Bible tells us that ‘God loves a cheerful giver’. I think He delights to see joyful children receiving shoe boxes containing their only Christmas presents; the lonely person receiving an unexpected card or visit; homeless people offered a Christmas dinner with hope for the future; the folk in financial distress helped by the food bank.

Two thousand years ago a teenager, Mary, risked her reputation by being willing to bear a son Jesus, the Saviour.

Her future husband Joseph risked his to care for them both.

Local shepherds risked their low-paid jobs, leaving their sheep to find the baby Messiah.

Months later, foreign astronomers risked Herod’s wrath to worship the baby with expensive gifts. All cheerful givers, no refunds available!

The greatest gift came from God himself when Jesus, the Son left his glory in Heaven, to be born into a humble family and eventually to die on a Cross, so ‘that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life’.

And before He went back to Heaven he promised believers ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you’.

What a gift. Enjoy your giving and receiving this Christmas.

 

J. Hedges

Heron Hill Free Church