December 16 “Giving, Not Getting” Luke 19:10
**Due to the record COVID19 infections and the concern for others; the family, of Bob Himmel have decided to delay the Celebration of Life Service for Bob until later. Please pray for his family as they are experiencing pain and loss on so many levels. We all join them in mourning the loss of this dear man!**
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)
This time of year, causes me to reflect on my childhood experiences and the lessons (often hard lessons) learned. One memory, in particular, stands out, more than others. Mama, her friend, Miss Paulette and her children and me, were downtown Goldsboro, walking from store to store, shopping for Christmas. Miss Paulette’s older son and I were going on and on about what we wanted and what we thought we would get…all of a sudden, my Mama stopped in her tracks, turned to me and spoke those immortal words that, to this day, still resonate with me…”Let me tell you right this minute, Christmas is about giving, not getting!” Woowee…she told me, didn’t she? The follow-up question was a bit more challenging…”What are you going to give to your friend?” The reality was that I had not given a thought about him, or anyone else, for that matter. Jimmy and I walked quietly from store to store, after that encounter, without uttering a sound. “Giving instead of getting? Was she kidding?” That question has echoed in my mind every Christmas since that faithful day. “What am I going to give to my brothers and sisters? As I have grown, physically and spiritually, I have come to rejoice in the fact that God loved us enough that HE gave to mankind, JESUS. What a gift! Mama was trying to direct my thoughts to the deeper meaning of this yearly celebration. Our God was interested in giving us a pathway to a relationship with HIM, and, in turn, got the fellowship with mankind that was originally intended! So many times, since that experience on Center Street, in downtown Goldsboro, I have prayed…”Lord, please make me a cheerful giver and Lord, make me compulsive in it!” Christina Rossetti wrote a beautiful poem that speaks perfectly to this theme…”What can I give HIM, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring HIM a lamb; If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; Yet what can I give HIM---Give HIM my heart!” To truly celebrate the Christmas 2020 and to experience the heart of Christmas, we must have a compassionate heart for others! Although, I enjoy “Getting,” I now understand Mama’s words and recognize the joy and fulfillment in “Giving!” Jesus came to give and I am grateful!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused….THE BEST IS YET TO BE! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!