Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11, NIV
Ramona, one of my colleagues, loved gifts. Every year after Thanksgiving, she would start wearing a “gift pin” on her lapel. Each time she would receive a gift, she would add another “present” to it. It was always full by the last day before Christmas vacation. She hoped that this subliminal message to her second graders would result in many presents coming her way!
We all laughed at Ramona’s ploy. But if we are being honest, we all enjoy the little gifts kids give us more than we want to admit.
Even though I loved the Christmas gifts from students, I think that the little surprises throughout the year pleased me even more. The handmade pictures, the hugs given out of the blue, and hearing “You’re my favorite teacher” on occasion always provided the encouragement needed to get through a rough patch.
Have you considered what kind of gifts you can give to the Lord? During this Christmas season and throughout the new year, we can shower the Lord with gifts by:
- Studying His Word
- Giving Him our thoughts, desires, and concerns through prayer
- Sharing our faith with our colleagues and students through our words and actions
In 2 Corinthians, Paul described the generosity of the Macedonian churches despite their extreme poverty. He commended them because “they gave themselves first of all to the Lord” (2 Cor. 8:5).
Our gifts don’t have to be extravagant or expensive—God just wants our hearts!
Heavenly Father, we know that the greatest gift we can offer to You during this Christmas season and throughout the year is our hearts. We humbly offer them to You today. Grant us opportunities to share Your love with those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Copyright Shirley Wilson.
Shirley is a retired member and former board member of Christian Educators.
