One evening my four-year-old son was saying his prayers and thanking God for all the good things he enjoyed that day. After he prayed, his mind quickly jumped to Christmas and the things on his “wish list.” Then he asked, “Mama, why do we have Christmas?” I explained that at Christmas we celebrate Jesus' birthday.
As his young mind grappled with the idea, he asked, “Then why do we get the presents? Does Jesus get any presents?” I remarked that those were very good questions. I chose to focus on the second question and asked him, “What kind of presents do you think Jesus would like?” As I watched him think about my question, I posed a few suggestions, such as being nice to your brothers, sharing your toys with others and showing others that Jesus loves them by helping them. I gave him a hug and kiss and told him to think about what present he would like to give Jesus.
Through a young child's question, I have been challenged. In these days of consumerism, we often give great thought to the gifts we give to family and friends, but how much thought and preparation do we give to the gifts we offer to the Lord?
During Advent, we think about the gifts that we receive from God: hope, peace, joy and love, but what are the gifts we give to him? As I prepare my heart for this season, it is my desire to not only think about the gifts that God has given me, but to reflect on the gift that I would like to give to the Lord. He has blessed me in so many ways. I really want my gift to him to be filled with gratitude for his amazing grace.
I recently heard a sermon on “Isaiah's Audacious Hope,” based on Isaiah 42. The sermon provoked a response to my question of “What shall I give to my Lord?” The concept of bringing justice to our world has a big impact on me as I minister in Winnipeg's inner city where injustice is seen daily. Hope is needed in our world as we fight against injustice. Hope that love will conquer evil and that redemption will triumph in the lives of our people.
The Salvation Army's theme of “Giving Hope Today” is much more than a slogan. Hope is living: it is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that can change the lives of our people. Hope is a gift that I can share with others. It is not only praying for justice, peace and freedom for our world, but it is being a catalyst in accomplishing this purpose. This gift of hope in a world of injustice requires personal action and commitment.
My son asked a powerful question, “Does Jesus get any presents?” This Christmas, will he receive the gift of his children bringing hope to a world in turmoil? Will he receive the gift of his children fighting for justice and freedom? As you prepare for the celebration of our Lord's birth, what gift will you give him?
Captain Shari Russell and her husband, Robert, are the corps officers at Weetamah in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Shari also serves as the Territorial Aboriginal Ministries Liaison. Shari and Robert originally met in Winnipeg and were married there, so it is a joy for them to be back. They have three boys: CJ, Gavin and Brannon. As a family, they enjoy travelling, camping, playing sports and music.
As his young mind grappled with the idea, he asked, “Then why do we get the presents? Does Jesus get any presents?” I remarked that those were very good questions. I chose to focus on the second question and asked him, “What kind of presents do you think Jesus would like?” As I watched him think about my question, I posed a few suggestions, such as being nice to your brothers, sharing your toys with others and showing others that Jesus loves them by helping them. I gave him a hug and kiss and told him to think about what present he would like to give Jesus.
Through a young child's question, I have been challenged. In these days of consumerism, we often give great thought to the gifts we give to family and friends, but how much thought and preparation do we give to the gifts we offer to the Lord?
During Advent, we think about the gifts that we receive from God: hope, peace, joy and love, but what are the gifts we give to him? As I prepare my heart for this season, it is my desire to not only think about the gifts that God has given me, but to reflect on the gift that I would like to give to the Lord. He has blessed me in so many ways. I really want my gift to him to be filled with gratitude for his amazing grace.
I recently heard a sermon on “Isaiah's Audacious Hope,” based on Isaiah 42. The sermon provoked a response to my question of “What shall I give to my Lord?” The concept of bringing justice to our world has a big impact on me as I minister in Winnipeg's inner city where injustice is seen daily. Hope is needed in our world as we fight against injustice. Hope that love will conquer evil and that redemption will triumph in the lives of our people.
The Salvation Army's theme of “Giving Hope Today” is much more than a slogan. Hope is living: it is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that can change the lives of our people. Hope is a gift that I can share with others. It is not only praying for justice, peace and freedom for our world, but it is being a catalyst in accomplishing this purpose. This gift of hope in a world of injustice requires personal action and commitment.
My son asked a powerful question, “Does Jesus get any presents?” This Christmas, will he receive the gift of his children bringing hope to a world in turmoil? Will he receive the gift of his children fighting for justice and freedom? As you prepare for the celebration of our Lord's birth, what gift will you give him?
Captain Shari Russell and her husband, Robert, are the corps officers at Weetamah in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Shari also serves as the Territorial Aboriginal Ministries Liaison. Shari and Robert originally met in Winnipeg and were married there, so it is a joy for them to be back. They have three boys: CJ, Gavin and Brannon. As a family, they enjoy travelling, camping, playing sports and music.
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