Gifts

by Joey Davis

Gifts. That's what this past holiday season was about...gifts. Gifts were given out of adoration. Gifts were given because of esteem. Gifts were given out of obligation.
What you give says alot about what you think of the recipient of the gift. You give colorful clothing to someone who you think needs to spruce up their image. You give classical music to teenage "metal heads" to introduce them to the finer things in life. A prominent writer, Garrison Keilor, wrote that he intended to give away stamps, underwear, and Kraft's macaroni and cheese in a random fashion to all of his friends. He figured that a classical album won't change the "metal head's" tastes, but everyone, even metal heads, will mail something, wear underwear or eat macaroni and cheese some time during the year.
My wife's family decided to give away something they cherished but already owned. Numbers were drawn and gifts, hidden inside festive wrapping, were selected at random. Of all of the things given away, my father-in-law's gift seemed most from the heart.
You see, my father-in-law is a coin collector who gave away one of his prized coins. The gifts were supposed to be worth less than five dollars, but in sentimental value, Mickey's gift was priceless.
He gave a fifty-cent piece away. Not one of those cheap "Eisenhower" half dollars. Oh no! This half dollar was solid silver, and minted when Eisenhower was just beginning to defend "old glory" from the "Commies," and John Kennedy was in some snooty boarding school, where they make you wear ties to dinner and don't let you sleep in your underwear.
This coin was a prize! Appropriately enough, his son Michael picked the box containing the coin. I hope he takes care of it, because it will be special to him someday.
Giving our best...isn't that what giving is about? I know, I know, "it's the thought that counts." But giving something like soap-on-a-rope, light up neckties, and Garfield boxer shorts doesn't require much thought. If it's the thought that counts, try thinking before you give, and try giving your best.
God understands and teaches this concept in extraordinary measure. God gave His best to die on the cross. Not some Clark Kent in a superman's costume, but the only being that could possibly understand what it's like to be us. He gives us blessings of health, spirituality, grace, and most importantly, His presence.
So, during '96, may we all give to our Father in a manner that exhibits thought and sacrifice. After all, the bloody cross and the empty tomb are evidence that our Father gives from the heart!

January 7, 1996

Related Articles:

The Gift -Feb 15, 1998
My Birthday -Jul 02, 1995

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Gifts by Joey Davis Gifts. That's what this past holiday season was about...gifts. Gifts were given out of adoration. Gifts were given because of esteem. Gifts were given out of obligation. What you give says alot about what you think of the recipient of the gift. You give colorful clothing to someone who you think needs to spruce up their image. You give classical music to teenage "metal heads" to introduce them to the finer things in life. A prominent writer, Garrison Keilor, wrote that he intended to give away stamps, underwear, and Kraft's macaroni and cheese in a random fashion to all of his friends. He figured that a classical album won't change the "metal head's" tastes, but everyone, even metal heads, will mail something, wear underwear or eat macaroni and cheese some time during the year. My wife's family decided to give away something they cherished but already owned. Numbers were drawn and gifts, hidden inside festive wrapping, were selected at random. Of all of the things given away, my father-in-law's gift seemed most from the heart. You see, my father-in-law is a coin collector who gave away one of his prized coins. The gifts were supposed to be worth less than five dollars, but in sentimental value, Mickey's gift was priceless. He gave a fifty-cent piece away. Not one of those cheap "Eisenhower" half dollars. Oh no! This half dollar was solid silver, and minted when Eisenhower was just beginning to defend "old glory" from the "Commies," and John Kennedy was in some snooty boarding school, where they make you wear ties to dinner and don't let you sleep in your underwear. This coin was a prize! Appropriately enough, his son Michael picked the box containing the coin. I hope he takes care of it, because it will be special to him someday. Giving our best...isn't that what giving is about? I know, I know, "it's the thought that counts." But giving something like soap-on-a-rope, light up neckties, and Garfield boxer shorts doesn't require much thought. If it's the thought that counts, try thinking before you give, and try giving your best. God understands and teaches this concept in extraordinary measure. God gave His best to die on the cross. Not some Clark Kent in a superman's costume, but the only being that could possibly understand what it's like to be us. He gives us blessings of health, spirituality, grace, and most importantly, His presence. So, during '96, may we all give to our Father in a manner that exhibits thought and sacrifice. After all, the bloody cross and the empty tomb are evidence that our Father gives from the heart! January 7, 1996 Related Articles: The Gift -Feb 15, 1998 My Birthday -Jul 02, 1995 Print this Article Discuss this Article Back to the Sermon Page	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM