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Pastor Terry's December Note
Micah, What Are You Going To Give For Christmas?
Some years ago, a few days before Christmas, I was spending an afternoon with Micah, the five-year-old son of a friend. Our conversation, naturally, gravitated to the topic of Christmas so I asked him, “Micah, what are you going to give for Christmas?” He was startled by the question and answered, “Give? I
can’t give anything.” “Why?” I asked. “I don’t have any money. I can’t buy any presents,” he replied.
I asked him if he knew what he would buy for his family if he had the money. His answers were simple; a watch for Daddy, a necklace for Mommy, and toys for his big sister. I suggested that he draw pictures of each of those items, then
he and I could place the pictures in boxes, wrap them and he would have presents to give.
Micah enthusiastically and joyfully set to work. He was so thorough he even remembered to draw a gift for his sister’s favorite doll, who was also a member of the family. After wrapping the presents, I placed them in a small shopping bag and suggested he hide them in his room where no one could find them. The excitement on his face was contagious as he said, “This is going to be the BEST
Christmas.” On Christmas morning, before opening any gifts, Micah distributed his presents to each member of his very surprised family.
The ability to give to those we love is one of God’s great gifts to us. As I remember Micah’s excitement I wonder if God the Father had the same excitement when Jesus was born. God was providing us with a gift of love and, by extension, a reason for giving. May this Christmas be a celebration of giving for each of you beloved people of Grace Church.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.”
Isaiah 9:6