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The Joy of Giving

Happy Monday to our CFC family.


As I’ve shared before, growing up in a fatherless home presented its challenges, especially during seasons like Christmas. We couldn’t afford to buy a tree from those fancy tree farms, so I took it upon myself to venture into the woods and find one for our family.


As I mentioned in my message yesterday, our trees were far from perfect. The branches were often sparse and crooked, and as the saying goes beauty was definitely "in the eye of the beholder."  Yet no matter how odd looking our trees were, my mother never complained.


Being raised in a German home, it was customary for our family to attend the Christmas Eve service, followed by a meal at home and the opening of gifts. Because of this, I never did believed in Santa Claus, since by the time he was supposed to appear with gifts, we had already opened all of our presents and that part of Christmas was over.


I always knew exactly where our gifts came from and understood the sacrifices my mother made to ensure we had something to unwrap on Christmas Eve.

From a young age, I remember always having a job. At thirteen, my first job was delivering flyers, and around Christmas time, I attempted to make a little more by shoveling driveways in the neighborhood.


Although I don’t remember many of the gifts I bought for my mom, I do recall that they were the best I could possibly afford and each one was always accompanied by a box of "After Eight" chocolates which she always said were her favorite.


As the youngest, it was always my job to hand the gifts out, and as my sisters and I eagerly tore into each of our treasures,  all these years later, I can still picture my mother just sitting on the couch, watching while her own gift sat there by her feet untouched.


I remember once asking, "Mom, why don’t you open your gifts with us?" To which she replied with a warm smile,"Oh, I will. I just want to enjoy the moment of watch you guys first."


As a child, I didn’t fully understand her response, but now, with the passage of time, I see it clearly. The joy Lenise and I feel as we watch our (now adult) children open their gifts is truly is what is most enjoyable about that moment. Of course the gifts they bought for us are cherished, but the act of giving holds far greater a significance than receiving.


We’ve all read the scripture from Acts 20:35, which reminds us, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This truly is the heart of God. True joy, true contentment, is not found in what others can give to us, but in what we can offer to those around us. To see ourselves as extensions of God’s provision to those in need is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences life has to offer.


Jesus set the ultimate example. He gave completely of Himself, and in doing so, he found great pleasure in redeeming us and witnessing the happiness and completeness that this salvation bring to our lost souls!


So, during this Christmas season, I encourage you to embrace the opportunity to give. In doing so, you will reflect the very heart of God to others. They may never be able to repay you, or even express their gratitude, but in the end, the only thing that matters is that we have brought joy to very heart of God.


As Jesus said in Luke 6:36:


"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you".  


Question:  What do you think Jesus meant by, “a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.”?


Have a blessed week and we’ll see you Sunday!

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