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Monday, December 20, 2004
For What It's Worth
"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"
That exclamation simply pops out of St. Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:15.
He's been urging church people in the Greek city of Corinth to chip in to a fund to help Christians in Jerusalem survive a famine there.
Understand, these people didn't know each other. Greeks, Jews; Europe, Judea -- they were worlds apart in many ways beyond mere geography.
But Paul urged the Corinthians to care for the Jews the same way they'd take care of themselves. Here's why: Their shared faith in Jesus Christ united them in one family of God's children in God's world.
Its a central, radical theme for Paul:
"In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.... There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26,28)
All the barriers we love to build around ourselves get torn down by God's grace. Our traditional "us vs. them" way of life falls apart when God accepts us all just the way we are.
So, generous giving on our part says "thank you" to God for the gift of Jesus Christ. It's impossible to outgive God. But very possible to give the same way God gives.
Every Christmas takes us back to the heart of the matter.
Look again at that baby lying in a borrowed stable. He's so tiny, open to all kinds of injury. At the mercy of poor people's kindness. Surprisingly honored with precious gifts from "wise men" who come and go wrapped in mystery.
But the baby himself is the greatest gift of all. God's indescribable gift! He slips heaven's riches sideways into our spiritually impoverished world. From manger to cross to empty tomb, Jesus catches us by divine surprise.
And we all know that the best of gifts are those you didn't expect.
You're known so well that a present matches you perfectly. Your favorite color, flavor, theme, or feeling. Right there in your hands, mouth, or heart, because the giver absolutely knew you'd appreciate it.
You love the gift. And you love the one who gave it.
Imagine you're in Jerusalem, saying grace for food put on your table by money from friends you've never met -- just because they love you and they want you healthy.
Then remember Paul's excitement that God's gift to you in Jesus Christ is so much better that your words can never catch up with it.
Now, there's your ultimate Christmas present.
posted by Jack Buckley at
10:50 AM
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