Scriptures:
Romans 12:6
(NIV) – “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to
each of us.”
1 Peter 4:10
(NIV) – “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to
serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various
forms.”
Message:
My wife can wrap a Christmas present so beautifully that it can be
displayed in the window of a department store to encourage customers
to come in. Well nowadays, this would probably be more like a post
on the internet. I always wrap my Christmas presents too, but the
recipient often asks me if it got run over by a truck!
Did you know God made us each with
special gifts. Part of loving others is knowing how to share these
gifts. It means knowing our strengths and serving others in ways
that make us shine for God. These gifts can be our creativity using
our hands, or they can be our energy and enthusiasm to grow our
church and community. Foremost, they should be with our whole
heart.
The birth of Jesus Christ is the most
precious gift we can receive and is the very reason we celebrate
Christmas. His love is what Advent is all about.
Prayer:
Gracious God, we offer You thanks and praise for the gifts we have
been given. Blessed by Your grace, teach us to show gratitude by
sharing what we have been given to others. Help us to always use
Your gifts wisely. Lead us as we share them generously as we show
Christ to others. Amen.
Jim McElhose
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