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.