Bringing gifts

A Christmas lawn light display honors the birth of Jesus. Included in the manger scene are the wise men who brought gifts. In the Bible it says that they came to the house, so they came later to see Jesus. We often hear of things in the Bible with traditions instead of truth. The important thing here is that Jesus came as a babe and he was honored by the wise men bringing him gifts. This is the season for gift giving. I am amazed by some who give so generously, I suppose it is a gift, to be able to give. 

Last night our church blessed us with a wonderful dinner. After the dinner we were given gifts, I did nothing to deserve being gifted by the pastor or by a friend, but I suppose that is what giving is about. Jesus was the greatest gift ever given. We were unworthy but he gave himself to us to pay the price for our freedom. He made us to be children of God so that we may continue to live forever with him. How could we refuse such a gift? The greatest evil is to refuse this free gift and to forbid others from hearing the gospel so that they too may receive the gift.

We may think we have little to give, but we can share the greatest gift to others, the good news that Jesus has come and that through him our sins are forgiven. Go tell others of this wonderful gift, it is the greatest gift that anyone can receive; salvation by grace,through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Eph 2:4  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 
Eph 2:5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 
Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 
Eph 2:7  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 
Eph 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 
Eph 2:9  Not of works, lest any man should boast. 
Eph 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

Hospitality

These are character habits that are to be found in those who are Christians. Jesus gave his all for us and we can show his love to others.

Rom 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

You mean giving money or material needs to others in the faith? Yes, if in need. In America with easy welfare, this has not been as much a need, often the needs are met by the government, but if that stops we should be there. The church should be aware of needs, for some will not ask.

James 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
James 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

given to hospitality.

This literally means, to pursue people with hospitality. My mother was an example of this. The coffee pot would go on as soon as a person came to the house. Cookies or cake or pie would be brought out. They would converse, and then if late her "Southern" hospitality would ask the guest if they wanted to stay all night.

Our church is open once a month for a seniors fellowship where hospitality is provided by the church and also the members who bring food to share with all. Combine this with brotherly love and God's love and anyone would feel welcome, even if they don't have an AARP card....

Let's take this to a spiritual level. Is Jesus welcome in your house, in your mind and heart? If we are to continue in faith he must be found in us. We need to entertain his presence and depend on him. If Jesus is preeminent in our mind and heart then we will be Holy Spirit led. We will know of needs around us even witnessing to that woman at the well in John 4. This hospitality goes beyond a cup of coffee, friendly hospitality can lead to sharing the gospel and a new life to be born into the family of God.