Gifts and Offerings

One of my favorite books is entitled "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever". I try to read this touching little book every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, as it always helps me to see Christmas through new eyes, and never ceases to remind me of the true meaning of Christmas.

The first sentence in this book sets the stage: "The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world." They loved to start large fires because the police cars and fire engines were sure to roll in, followed by delicious, free donuts from a generous local diner. Their idea of a game was to bang a garage door up and down as fast as they could in an attempt to "squash" each other.

Yes, the Herdmans were six skinny, undisciplined, stairstep children...Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys...whose dad had left , and whose overwhelmed mom had to work long hours to provide for her family. So, the Herdman children were pretty much left to take care of themselves.

These ruffian children took great pleasure in being terrors to their teachers and fellow students alike. And, there was not a teacher in the school who was brave or foolish enough to hold back a Herdman in their current grade, as that would create the impossible, unimaginable scenario of dealing with two Herdmans the next year.

The Herdmans had never set foot in a church...that is, until they heard that there would be free refreshments. And, that is when they got involved with the Christmas pageant. This annual event had been rehearsed and performed the same way for as long as anyone could remember. But, that changed when the Herdmans bullied their way into all of the leading roles in the pageant.

Since the Herdmans had never heard of the Christmas story, it was all fresh and new to them. Imogene played Mary, complete with a black eye, and was ready to "clobber" anyone who laid a hand on her baby. All of the Herdmans wanted to find Herod so they could burn him alive. And, they thought the gifts from the wise men were the most ridiculous, impractical offerings they had ever seen.

On the night of the Christmas pageant, the three wise men (Leroy, Claude, and Ollie) surprised everyone by placing their family food-basket ham in front of the manger as a gift for Jesus (and refused to take it back after the pageant). And, that is the part of the story that always brings tears to my eyes, as it reminds me that my gift for Jesus may not be the same as another's gift. The Herdman children gave an offering that was of value to them...the best that they had. And, the question that comes to my mind is, "Why should I offer Jesus any less?"

Lord, help me to see Your truths through new eyes, and to give you nothing less than the best that I have. Don't let me forget that everything I have to offer comes from You.

What can I give Him

Poor as I am

If I were a Shepherd

I would give a lamb

If I were a wise man

I would do my part

But what can I give Him

Give Him my heart

(Last verse of "In the Bleak Midwinter")

Through the Eyes of the Great Physician

As I am watching a dusting of snow on this cold December night, my mind travels back just a few weeks to a special November day at the beach. I would like to share more thoughts that came to mind on that day....

Journal entry on 11/09/10: I love to gather shells. On this journey to the beach, I have felt drawn to the large, thick shells. As always, I love the broken shells, as they are very symbolic to me (see January blog posting entitled "Broken Shells"). As I was picking up shells while walking along the beach, some friendly folks would ask, "Any luck with the shells"? or "Finding any pretty ones?" My response was, "Since I am partial to the broken shells, it is always a good shell day." That response always brought a smile.

I am so glad that God is partial to the broken shells. When Jesus was criticized by pious sinners for hanging out with the lowly sinners, He made it clear that the sick are the ones who need the doctor (Matthew 9:12). He truly is the Great Physician, and He loves broken shells like me. What a comfort that is!

Maybe I am relating to the large, thick shells on this trip as that is how I feel, especially when I look at a number on a scale. But, it occurs to me that those large, thick shells have been out in the ocean longer, tossing to and fro in their turbulent home. I, too, have been in the ocean of life for a long time. And, it would be safe to say that I have been tossed around in some major turbulence during 2010.

I believe that God sees the best in this thick, broken shell. And, I am eternally grateful that He chooses to use me, even in my broken condition. It amazes me that my broken state can be used as His vessel. Perhaps my imperfect condition will help me relate to another thick, hurting, broken shell. After all, a small, delicate, perfect shell might not understand what the thick, broken shell has endured.

Lord, help me to see myself through Your eyes. Then use me to make a difference in the lives of others who are broken and hurting.