Window in St. Peter's Church, Spexhall, in Suffolk, England, showing Christ the Shepherd and the widow with her mite.
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.”
“Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything — all she had to live on.’”
– Mark 12:41-44
We were all children at one time and know that feeling of excitement on Christmas morning. We would wake up early, and looking to see what we got under the tree was usually the first thing on our mind, followed by, did Santa eat the cookies? I know I was excited, and I was amazed that this thing called Santa would know if I was naughty or nice. When we lived in Mannheim, Germany, we would put our shoes outside the front door at night, and the next morning, if you had candy inside your shoe instead of coal, that meant you were nice. I can thank God for an awesome and amazing childhood.
Now I am older and wiser, and I know that the real present is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who taught us the ability to give to others — the greatest joy. For some, Santa is celebrated as a giver once a year, but we are grateful to celebrate our Lord and Savior who gives on a daily basis year-round. In our Purpose we say our aim is knowing God, which allows us to express our understanding of what we need to do to ensure that our work for the world continues.
I am thankful and blessed to witness and be a part of this organization called United Methodist Women. As members we get excited at the opportunity to bless others as God has blessed us for 147 years, giving to those less fortunate, voiceless, tired, hungry, looked over, battered or torn apart from family and friends. Giving is the best way we can express our thanks to God for allowing us to give back.
There’s an old saying that goes, “See a penny, pick it up, and all the day you will have good luck.” We have been picking up millions of pennies and giving them to others in honor of the most high God who is not only giving, but also a Provider and Sustainer during this season — when many say Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
This season being about giving, I appreciate reflecting on ways of being joyful and thankful. We celebrate that Christ was on the cross so that we could be free to praise God for the goodness of life itself.
I am grateful that we depend on the Most High as an example of what giving looks like and for a road map to follow. This season reminds me of a song that warms my spirit and stirs my soul. I find myself singing it aloud when driving, or when I am alone and need that extra special lift. Some would be surprised to know the words were written by Charles Wesley, revealing a deep connection with United Methodists through God’s love, and showing that the real reason for our season is to be bold, passionate and faithful givers.
Walk in the light, beautiful light,
Come where the dewdrops of mercy shine bright.
Shine all around us by day and by night,
Jesus, the light of the world.
– “Jesus, the Light of the World”
Yvette Richards is president of United Methodist Women.
Posted [on the UMW website]: 12/23/2015 11:00:00 PM
No comments:
Post a Comment