Gabriel Appearing to Mary. Notice White Lily of Purity.
12-05-12 Christmas Giving Ideas
I have admitted for years that I do not get all wrapped up in the madding rush of what we call Christmas. I am too close to Scrooge. To combat this near compulsion to retreat into a cave of total depression I search the scripture and different literature to stay on top of things. Today, the following by Oren Arnold leaped off the page:
“Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect."
The statement raised the thought; “Each action is totally biblical and reflects the purpose of the Incarnation.”
As you read the list you realize that each gift may cost far more than anything you could buy at the store or online. Each listed gift requires an enormous piece of your heart and life, as you must reach deeply into yourself rather than your pocket or purse. When you pause and look at and hopefully think about it, each manger scene conveys the picture, said to be worth ten thousand words, the truth expressed by Mr. Arnold. God had each thought in mind when He robed Himself in flesh to demonstrate that all of Oren’s suggested gifts come with Jesus.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Copyright © 2012 Larry Lilly
I have admitted for years that I do not get all wrapped up in the madding rush of what we call Christmas. I am too close to Scrooge. To combat this near compulsion to retreat into a cave of total depression I search the scripture and different literature to stay on top of things. Today, the following by Oren Arnold leaped off the page:
“Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect."
The statement raised the thought; “Each action is totally biblical and reflects the purpose of the Incarnation.”
As you read the list you realize that each gift may cost far more than anything you could buy at the store or online. Each listed gift requires an enormous piece of your heart and life, as you must reach deeply into yourself rather than your pocket or purse. When you pause and look at and hopefully think about it, each manger scene conveys the picture, said to be worth ten thousand words, the truth expressed by Mr. Arnold. God had each thought in mind when He robed Himself in flesh to demonstrate that all of Oren’s suggested gifts come with Jesus.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Copyright © 2012 Larry Lilly
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