Wednesday's thoughts

"Christmas Clues for Clueless Givers"
O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi" and Matthew's "Gifts of the Magi" give us important ideas regarding Christmas shopping and gift giving.
They remind us of the important things we need to know as we look at what we can give this Christmas; especially when some of us are feeling that we are not capable of giving what we would like to give.

O. Henry reminds us through his short story of the importance of giving from the heart. Dela cut her hair to buy Jim the watch he had said he lost. Jim had sold the watch so he could buy the hair brushes Dela wanted. They were fooling givers. They were the wisest givers. They gave from the heart. O. Henry judged they were the wisest of givers.

Matthew gives us the story of the Magi who brought the Christ Child gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These three gifts have, except for the gold, limited value. All three gifts had a lasting meaning when we look at the length and meaning of Jesus' life.

The Magi gave to the future.

Those two values are critical for us as we think about our gift giving and Christmas. It isn't the money that we spent that puts the ultimate value on our gifts. It isn't the immediate utility that determines the worth of our gifts.

We will want to give from the heart and to the future, and if we are able to do that they may want to call us Magi (wise).

What are you thinking to give for Christmas? Is it from the heart and does it contribute to the future?

If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the box below. I look forward to hearing from you.


Charles Schuster