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A Prayer for Gift Giving

By: Alan Harvey

Posted: November 27, 2018

Category: Daily Devotional

The last stanza of the Christmas hymn In the Bleak Midwinter constitutes a prayer. The petition is addressed and at the close is answered. It has these simple lyrics:

What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb.
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give him; give my heart.

Have you ever thought about the Magi or Wise Men and just how they chose their gifts for the Christ child, the King of the Jews? Was their inspiration to give those certain gifts from the same Source that nudged them in going on this excellent adventure in the first place? Were the gold, frankincense, and myrrh precious possessions of the Magi or Wise Men, so they did not find it necessary to go shopping. If so, they found great joy in giving something that belonged to them

If they did not have appropriate gifts at their home, they probably did not encounter a rush of holiday shoppers to get the best gifts for a King for less.

Can you imagine the look on the clerk’s face at the bazaar when they asked for gift suggestions suitable for a child, born to be a prophet, priest, and king?

We have some nice rattles since prophets like to shake up things. We have some beautiful stoles and you know how priests like their garb. Just in, we have a “grab and go” red carpet for a king so he may be properly welcomed wherever he goes.

One thing the Magi or Wise Men did not have to deal with was computers. They did not require express or overnight delivery. More than likely they were not bargain hunters armed with credit cards that got maxed out. They ended up following the star, arriving at the house and finding Jesus and Mary, his mother there. They adored the Christ child, presented their own gifts and what was more each one gave his heart.

Prayer

O God, King of the Universe, we thank You that our big world becomes smaller as we communicate and transact business. As orders are placed on-line or by callers, computer users, and clerks who assist us with our Christmas gift purchases, give patience to the buyers. Inspire us to choose gifts wisely and always to give our best to You as You did with us in the giving of Your Son Jesus to the world, In His name, we pray. Amen.