Luke 3:10-18 Advent day 15
My children are adults now, married, away from home and have lives of their own. What a wonderful gift they are. Speaking of gifts, as this is Christmas time I still solicit lists from 'the kids' on what they would like for Christmas. It's not the focus of the day but I am after all a parent. I try to do my best.
I lamented a few days ago about what to get for God, the guy who literally has everything. One thing I do know, he'd love to hear from you. That's been a theme of mine through this Advent season. A good conversation would surely be a fine gift. What else though?
If good conversation is your gift to our creator, I am sure he'll be more than happy. But I dare say, most of us can do more and we should because when we do for others we are doing it for God.
When I read this passage of scripture it read like a Christmas list, if you have two cloaks, give one to someone who has none. Whoever has more food should do the same. As tight as things might seem, we surely can help those less fortunate than we are. We are so blessed in so many ways.
In my old parish, we had an Advent giving tree. We had a formidable outreach program and so we were able to help many, many families who otherwise might have a bleak Christmas. Toys, clothes, you name it, we arranged it. Heating oil? Electric bills? we did that too. One of the joys of a community is that you can work together. There are many avenues to help others. I would encourage you to find one (or more) community or group and do what you can. This is a gift you can surely give to God.
This is not to take the place of that personal conversation (read: prayer) with your creator. You still should set aside some time for honest conversation. You cannot buy your way out of having a relationship with God no matter how good your deeds and no matter how much you spend.
So, I have given you two ideas for gifts for the guy who has everything. Say Amen.
My children are adults now, married, away from home and have lives of their own. What a wonderful gift they are. Speaking of gifts, as this is Christmas time I still solicit lists from 'the kids' on what they would like for Christmas. It's not the focus of the day but I am after all a parent. I try to do my best.
I lamented a few days ago about what to get for God, the guy who literally has everything. One thing I do know, he'd love to hear from you. That's been a theme of mine through this Advent season. A good conversation would surely be a fine gift. What else though?
If good conversation is your gift to our creator, I am sure he'll be more than happy. But I dare say, most of us can do more and we should because when we do for others we are doing it for God.
When I read this passage of scripture it read like a Christmas list, if you have two cloaks, give one to someone who has none. Whoever has more food should do the same. As tight as things might seem, we surely can help those less fortunate than we are. We are so blessed in so many ways.
In my old parish, we had an Advent giving tree. We had a formidable outreach program and so we were able to help many, many families who otherwise might have a bleak Christmas. Toys, clothes, you name it, we arranged it. Heating oil? Electric bills? we did that too. One of the joys of a community is that you can work together. There are many avenues to help others. I would encourage you to find one (or more) community or group and do what you can. This is a gift you can surely give to God.
This is not to take the place of that personal conversation (read: prayer) with your creator. You still should set aside some time for honest conversation. You cannot buy your way out of having a relationship with God no matter how good your deeds and no matter how much you spend.
So, I have given you two ideas for gifts for the guy who has everything. Say Amen.
The crowds asked John the Baptist,
"What should we do?"
He said to them in reply,
"Whoever has two cloaks
should share with the person who has none.
And whoever has food should do likewise."
Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him,
"Teacher, what should we do?"
He answered them,
"Stop collecting more than what is prescribed."
Soldiers also asked him,
"And what is it that we should do?"
He told them,
"Do not practice extortion,
do not falsely accuse anyone,
and be satisfied with your wages."
Now the people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying,
"I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor
and to gather the wheat into his barn,
but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
Exhorting them in many other ways,
he preached good news to the people.
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