What can you give to impress a baby?
What can you give to impress the King of the Universe?
NOTHING!
This morning I stopped in awe, listening to a song about Mary pondering everything about her baby, Jesus.
So, what can I give baby Jesus?
It seems there are only two things Jesus wants—and only two things I can give.
+++ I give Him what I don’t have.
I don’t have money—so I give Him my debts.
I don’t have stuff to impress or boast—so I give Him my shame.
I don’t have a pretty past—so I give Him my sins.
I don’t have a good attitude sometimes—so I give Him my brokenness.
I don’t have a good memory—so I give Him my mind.
I don’t have a handle on planning—so I give Him my future.
+++ I give Him what I do have.
I do have a song to share—so I look for someone who needs Christmas cheer (like I do).
I do have words of hope—so I look for someone who needs encouragement (like I do).
I do have answers for the deepest questions—so I look for someone who needs to find meaning in life’s tough times (like I do).
I do have a heart for families—so I look for someone who needs real help in their relationships (like I do).
I do have an identity with the down and out—so I look for someone who needs Jesus and not religion (like I do).
I do have a gift for writing—so I look for someone who needs a word, that will make a difference in their life, in the parts that are for keeps ( l i k e I d o ).
What I don’t have:
“You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it. The sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
What I do have:
“Whatever you have done for the least of these, you have done it unto Me.”—–Jesus
Finally, what can I give—I will give thanks.