Merry Christmas

“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. “ Matthew 2:11 NIV

Generosity always is rooted in worship.  Worship is ascribing to something value and worth.  Worship that is worthy of our Savior is worship that produces a generous spirit.

We need to be careful that what we worship is worthy of our worship.  The Magi believed that Christ was worthy of their worship.  They had taken their time, talent, and treasure and pursued over the course of several years the One who was born King of the Jews.  When they found him, the generously gave their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  Each gift a tribute from their country and of their country.  Each gift an acknowledgement of Christ’s sovereignty and superiority. 

Advent is a time for self-evaluation.  This is a season of giving.  What you value, you will give to generously.  Family, loved ones, are prime examples of what we attribute as worthy of our worship. For those of the family of faith, Christ Jesus is most worthy of worship.  Everything that is given to and through Him compounds our understanding of His grace and love.  As we give, we reflect the nature of God who so loved the world that He gave.  God’s generosity knows no limits or bounds.  He gives freely and abundantly.

The local church and our association of churches is worthy of your support.  Christ loves His church and gave Himself for it.  He continues to bless it.  The Christmas season is a time for giving, for sharing.  It is a time to be generous to the work of Christ and the furtherance of His mission. 

I believe that the American Baptist Churches of Maine is a mission worthy of support.  For the past twenty years, I have invested my time, talent, and treasure in its mission.  I have received more blessings than I ever could have imagined.  I have seen Christ bless the work of the American Baptist Churches of Maine in amazing ways.  Many of you have joined me in giving generously to our common mission.

This advent season, I invite you to join with me in giving to affirm, support, and challenge the local church in its mission.  Give generously.  God loves a cheerful giver.  Give faithfully, God is always faithful.  Give hopefully, there is much work that remains to be finished.  Give because of your love for Christ and for the hope that only He provides.

Join me in giving generously to the Maine Mission Offering!

In His Service

al