A GENEROUS CHRISTMAS

Yesterday during our worship gathering I spoke from Matthew 2:1-12 and the visit of the Magi. In their own way, the Magi invented the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas time. When they came into the presence of Jesus, the One born King of the Jews, they opened up their treasures and presented gifts. I have been thinking quite a bit about this story this week and hope it will inform my own gift giving this Christmas season.

At Christmas time we typically shower our family and friends with gifts. Trust me – I am not anti-gift giving. In our best moments we do so as a demonstration of our love for others – however, in our worst moments it can become little more than obligatory giving with very little heart or intention behind it.

This year the Timm family is going to try something different – we will include in our practice of gift giving, a costly gift given to those in great need, with the hope and prayer that it will make a real difference in someone’s life. We will be partnering with World Vision, utilizing their opportunities to give a gift that will help widows and orphans who have been impacted by the AIDS pandemic in Africa.

Perhaps you or your family would like to join with us this year. Take a couple of moments to check out the opportunities that World Vision provides through their Caring for Widows and Orphans site. There is a sobering reminder of the real need in our world as you immediately read these words: “By the time you have finished reading this page, another four children will be orphaned – joining the 14 million children around the world who have already been lost one or both parents to AIDS.”

What do you think? I’d love to hear your ideas.

Stay Connected…