Heading into yet another year I'm still faced with the same dilemma: what do I give Him? Christmas is over but the question lingers.
I was awed by the offerings of Magi; the opulence and timeliness of their gifts is beyond my ability to give. Then, the generosity of a young man in giving up his lunch still amazes me; as the mother of two sons I realize what a sacrifice that must have been. I'd like to believe that both our boys would have willingly surrendered their meal, especially in the face of overwhelming odds against the gift making any difference to the situation. And in spite of voracious appetites!
I am touched deeply by Mary's purchase of expensive fragrant oil, especially in view of her limited resources and her defiance of traditional roles of women. I'm convinced she was well aware of the hostility she would encounter but love overcame fear. So in light of these gifts, what can I give?
I gave my heart to Christ as a young child. Nonsense, some may say, at that age it was merely a decision prompted by emotion or parental pressure. Not so because even then I'd seen enough of life to know that I wanted to pursue no other path.
As a teen I gave Him my plans for my life and asked Him to show me His. Like everyone else I've walked through dark valleys but also experienced rich blessings. Now, as a senior I ask myself: What do I give to a God who already possesses Heaven and earth?
Looking back on the examples of others I've come to see that the common thread that links each of those gifts is awe. No one, no institution and no circumstances can diminish the beauty and power of love poured from a worshipping heart.
