Gifts. I have been thinking about this for the last couple of weeks because the mighty push is on.
In the snail mail; in your email; on Facebook, Twitter and a host of other platforms, organizations are asking for donations. Even Google Canada was at it lately.
As I continue to reflect on this, even survey companies are asking. What they want to see is if there has been a shift to pre-pandemic behaviours around shopping for Christmas. In all of that, I am mindful that the greatest, best gifts are those that are priceless.
As I write this, I would remind you of the Children's story I started last week. I showed you a box that I said was completely full. It looks completely empty. It is not. Many people will have a priceless gift this year; the relatives and families that are ours individually will be able (prayerfully) to gather together again. While influenza numbers are rising, with common sense and care, we will make this happen.
It is also a time to wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR. And that is because we are at the end of the year as we reckon it by church time. Our new year starts with the four Sundays before Christmas.
And so, we begin with the celebration of a gift that is truly priceless. The gift we have is the death and resurrection of Jesus. I draw your attention to two people who experience this most. The first is a thief in Luke 23:32-43. With some of his dying breaths, Jesus gives this thief eternity. That gift is priceless. Yes, it will cost them their lives here. But this thief will live forever.
And then we have John 20:19-30. Here, the skeptical Thomas has doubt removed. Has questions answered. Has his belief restored. And all of that is priceless.
So, when someone asks me if I have gotten all my gifts yet, my answer is, "No. I am still working on the one that is priceless." So, what is your answer today? Pr. Scott
