Fourth Sunday of Advent
WATCHWORD:
This is my last gift to you, this example of a way of life: a life of hard work, a life of helping the weak, a life that echoes every day those words of Jesus our King, who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
Meditation:
Blessed to Give
It is more blessed to give than to receive. That’s an expression we’ve all heard, and sometimes we actually practice. Certainly we take great joy in giving gifts especially to people we know personally or people we know have specific needs. But human nature, being what it is, feels like it is more fun to receive. If you don’t believe that, and if you’re near kids at Christmas time and see their excitement as they open gifts, well then, you’ll change your mind. From an early age, kids can tell you how many presents under the tree have their names on them. If they’re very young children, they think they should get to unwrap every gift, and sometimes it’s just plain fun to watch.
That attitude of the child carries over into adolescence where there’s a little voice inside that says ‘am I getting as much as the others. So when Jesus tells us that there is a greater blessing in giving than in receiving, he’s introducing a new behavior in our lives, he’s leading us to be more like his Father – who in his great generosity gave his only son to the world so we would be reconciled to him. If we can learn to be generous, we position ourselves to receive from God a greater blessing than anything we’re capable of giving. It takes faith to believe that, but this invitation to cultivate a heart of generosity always leads down a path of great blessings. Try it, you might like it, and it could become a habit. God bless. Amen.
(Meditation inspired by Allen Jackson in his book Lead with Faith at Christmas)
How Do We Repay the Great Gifts We Received?
I recalled with great fondness a group at the close of a powerful weekend, talking about ‘what’s next?’, what do we do with the graces the Lord has given us?. Then, someone started singing…
I, the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save
I, who made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord, if you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart
Here I am Lord, as You lead me. Amen.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You have lavished Your Grace on us, promising us all sufficiency. Give us the grace to give cheerfully.Turn our resources of time, talents and finances into encouraging gifts for those You want to help. In Jesus Name, Amen.
