A television commercial some years ago showed two neighbors in a friendly competition. They were competing to see who can spread the most Christmas cheer and gift.
Each kept an eye on each other as they decorated their house with lights. They each upgraded their property to look better than the other. Then they started competing over who can give the most extravagant gift to their neighbors.
What lesson do we learn here? God’s people are not in a competition to see who can give the most, but we are called to be “ready to give, willing to share” as stated in 1 Timothy 6:18. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, the Apostle Paul instructed the Church in Corinth: “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
At Christmas time, as we share gifts with others, we remember the generosity of God toward what He gave us – His only begotten Son.
No gift-giving could ever compete with the extravagance of the Lord. We give our deepest thanks and gratitude for the indescribable gift of Jesus. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! — CAROLINE L. BELTRAN, Baguio City
July 27, 2024