You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
Just about every popular Christmas CD, from Bing Crosby to Jars of Clay, includes the artist's interpretation of one of my very favorite yuletide songs, "The Little Drummer Boy." The sweet lyrics bring a lump to my throat every time I stop to focus on what their message is conveying.
"Baby Jesus . . . I am a poor boy, too . . .
I have no gift to bring . . . That's fit to give the King . . .
Shall I play for you . . . On my drum?
Mary nodded . . . The ox and lamb kept time . . .
I played my drum for Him . . . I played my best for Him . . .
Then He smiled at me . . ."
The whole point of this imaginative story set to music is that we all have something to give. Someone might not have two dimes to rub together, but still has a big gift to give Jesus. In fact, Jesus isn't really impressed by money given out of abundance anyway. See what He says in Luke 21:1-4.
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
She gave all she had, ladies!
It was a sacrifice!
What do we know of sacrifice? Do we really put it all on the line for our Savior, who gave everything for us? Whether or not we have money to give, there is always something more, something deeply felt we can offer, isn't there?
Let's ask ourselves this: What can I give Jesus?
If Jesus had a birthday list, might it look something like this?
- Wrap up all your self-centered attitudes, lay them at My feet, and I will take them away.
- Ask me to replace those with patience toward the annoyances in life.
- Bless your family, friends and enemies, even when you feel they don't deserve the best of you.
- Reach out to that bitter woman. I know she's no fun to be around, but she needs My love. I want you to love her with My love.
- Surrender that Christmas gift you want so badly this year, and use the money to bless a family in need. I acknowledge your wants, but they still aren't as important as their needs.
- That relationship that isn't pleasing to Me--please do what you know you need to do.
- All that credit you're taking for the fabulous things you do--Who gave you the ability to do those things? Where does the glory and honor belong?
- Let go of that grudge you're holding and bestow mercy and forgiveness.
- Use your (My) time and resources wisely.
- Please celebrate ME on the day set aside to recognize My birth. And continue that celebration the remainder of the year as well.
I wouldn't be surprised if, at the top of His list, He'd want us to do what the fictitious little drummer boy, and those very real shepherds, did: show up! They took the time to be in the very presence of the Son of God! They worshiped Him in their own unique ways, as God had gifted them. Perhaps they were even a bit out of their comfort zones. In any case, they came to Him, recognized Him, glorified Him and told others about their encounter with God.
May we not forget to set aside time in this busy season to sit at His feet and wish Him a happy birthday!
