SF732 - Worth The Sacrifice

A Cold Night…

Bitter, chilling wind gusts shook the tiny trailer.  Inside the youth group and parents from a church grouped took refuge from the cold.  They were working selling Christmas trees to help finance a mission trip to San Quinteen, Mexico.  They had committed themselves to volunteer for a week to minister to share Christ.  Tonight that week in the Summer seemed a lifetime away.

Suddenly, Dave burst in.  “Yes!”  He cheered.  “I sold three more trees.”  Corrie smiled at her son, then shivered and wished she were home.  Stacks of un-mailed Christmas cards and decorations yet to be hung, haunted her.  As the night progressed fewer and fewer people came to buy trees.  Soon, Dave fell asleep on a couch.  In the quietness, doubts began to rise in Corrie’s heart.  She prayed, “Lord, please show me that our efforts in Mexico will be blessed.”

A shadow moved across the window.  A drifting cloud exposed the round silver moon and a lone, bright star that reminded Corrie of the star of Bethlehem.  “Did Mary and Joseph wonder what You had in mind for them?”  She prayed.  “I can’t even comprehend Your sacrifice.”  Shame filled her and her tears blurred the star.  “This is nothing compared with what You did for us.”

Dave stirred from his nap and stretched.  “You okay, Mom?”  “Just fine, I think hear another customer, it is my turn to go.”  She stepped into the night air and whispered toward heaven...”Happy Birthday, Jesus...and thank You.”

A Gift for a King

Yes, Christmas is the Birthday of Jesus.  But how do we give a present to One who has everything?  What could we possibly give a King?

This season we also are making some sacrifices to help people all over the world.  This is a “Season for Senders.”  We are going to sacrifice this Christmas as we give to the Lottie Moon Mission offering.  All the money will go to help tell other people around the world about Jesus.

This Christmas we can make God smile as we give to those who are hungry and cold.  We can know that it will be worth the sacrifice...why?  Because Jesus will take what we give and show love and compassion to others - those who may not know Him.

As a gift to Jesus on His birthday we will give to others.  And because of that...they may give themselves and their hearts to Him.  That would be something that He would want for His birthday...something He doesn’t already have...their hearts.

“What Can I Give Him.”

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 can I give Him,

Give my heart.