From Jim Wood, Founder of Wears Valley Ranch:
“Why do we give gifts at Christmas?” Believe it or not, I’ve been asked that question numerous times across the years. It seems that while the custom of giving is widespread, and children are encouraged to have a wish list, many people are not focused on the reason for the holiday.
The reason we give is because God gave the ultimate gift for us. He sent his son into a world that needed saving. He sent his beloved son, not to risk rejection, but knowing that he would be rejected. God spoke through Isaiah, the prophet, hundreds of years before.
“He was despised and rejected by mankind,
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all”
Isaiah 53:3-6.
At Christmas we celebrate Jesus’ birth, but we cannot overlook the amazing fact that he was born to die. He was given as the perfect sacrifice who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Our first response to this amazing gift should be to give our lives to him. Nothing less than full surrender to the one who knows us best and loves us most is reasonable. As we give our lives to him, we discover what real life is. Then, as we live a life surrendered to Jesus, we find him providing ways to give ourselves away again and again in service to others.
“…Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”
Matthew 25:40.
Susan and I are so grateful for God’s faithful provision across the years. Every year, we pray fervently for God to move on the hearts of his people. We need a year-end miracle. This year is no different, except that the need is greater than ever. Inflation has raised expenses and lowered giving since summer. God’s word reminds us:
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:6-8;12-15.
Thank you for praying. Thank you for giving. We are trusting God to reward you, as he has promised.
Go to Secure Giving Page.
