Why give gifts at Christmas?
Ever wondered why we give gifts at Christmas? This short animation might help you gain more insight. Spread some gift-giving cheer this season!
ODJ: a gift for Jesus
Wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed (v.9).
READ: Mark 14:3-9
Consider this situation: Someone you deeply love is dying. Doctors tell you that this could be his last week of life. You want to do something memorable and meaningful for him. What would it be?
At a dinner held to honor Jesus (John 12:2), Mary anointed Him with expensive perfume made from essence of nard (or spikenard)—a special plant that grew only in the Himalayas of India. Mary’s perfume cost the equivalent of a whole year’s salary for a laborer in ancient Israel (Mark 14:5). In the Song of Solomon (1:12 and 4:13), nard symbolizes the sweet aroma worn by a bride, drawing her husband to her. Some Bible teachers believe that the perfume Mary was using to annoint Jesus was her personal dowry—a treasure she had been keeping for her own wedding. It was her most precious possession.
Mary’s generous gift to Jesus invoked strong negative responses. Some dinner guests rebuked her harshly (vv.4-5). But Jesus commended her. For Mary had done a “beautiful” thing (v.6 NIV). She had placed the perfume on Jesus to prepare Him for His death (v.8). Leading up to this time, He had often said that He would be betrayed, killed, buried, and that He would rise again. His disciples didn’t believe Him, for they didn’t want it to happen (Mark 8:31-33, 9:31-32). But Mary had been listening to Jesus (Luke 10:39-42). Believing His words, she lovingly ministered to Him in His last week before He went to the cross.
The expensive perfume was Mary’s funeral gift to Jesus. She gave her very best to honor Him. Today, we’re part of Jesus’ fulfilled prophecy—we’re remembering what Mary did at that dinner (Mark 14:9).
If you were in Mary’s place, what would you have done for Jesus? What “perfume” would you have given to honor Him? —K.T. Sim
This coming week, what’s one good or beautiful thing you can do for Jesus? What keeps you from giving Him your all?
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Loading ...ODJ: let it (all) go
[Abraham] tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood (v.9).
READ: Genesis 22:1-14
Karl Rabeder is an Austrian millionaire, but not for much longer. He’s giving away his entire fortune, more than 3 million pounds. His 3,455-square-foot villa overlooking the Alps, his six gliders, his expensive Audi A8, his country estate—all will be sold. As Rabeder told The Daily Telegraph, “My idea is to have nothing left. Absolutely nothing.” The money will fund his microcredit charity that will serve underdeveloped countries. Rabeder said he kept hearing these words: “Stop what you are doing—all this luxury and consumerism—and start your real life.” So that’s what he’s doing. Abraham faced a moment where he had to decide if he would let go of all he held dear. In one of the Old Testament’s more disturbing stories, God asked Abraham to take his beloved son Isaac to Moriah and “sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains” (Genesis 22:2). Bewildered, Abraham must have wondered why God would make such a horrific request. Isaac was not only his son but also the fulfillment of God’s promise—the promise to finally bring the joy of a child to Abraham and Sarah and the promise to build a great nation on the earth from Abraham’s descendants (18:18-19). And yet, God asked Abraham to give up his faith in these promises. To surrender—not his own life—but the life of the boy he loved. How will we respond when God asks us to give up everything, even the things He’s given us? Abraham bound Isaac and laid him on the altar. He raised his knife, prepared to obey God. Mercifully, the angel of the Lord bellowed, “Don’t lay a hand on the boy! . . . for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son” (22:12). God wanted Abraham to be willing to release absolutely everything to Him. Will we? —Winn Collier
What do you find most difficult to surrender to God? What does that thing represent, and why do you cling to it so tightly?
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(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODJ: the oprah effect
Is this the time to receive money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants? (v.26)
READ: 2 Kings 5
While managing media and public relations for a handful of leading Washington, DC-based nonprofits, I found that nearly every organization I worked for craved recognition on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Their aspiration came as no surprise. Oprah Winfrey, after all, is “The queen of talk, a cultural and financial icon and her impact on business (and charities) is worth billions,” according to CNBC host Carl Quintanilla. “Oprah Winfrey is the most influential woman in America—maybe in the world.” Experts have coined the term “The Oprah Effect” to describe her unparalleled ability to boost companies’ bottom lines and to take organizations from no name to brand name. Some of us would love to benefit from the Oprah Effect, or most any other “rainmaker.” We can readily imagine what we would do with the potential added resources. Many of us would likely give more to the poor, expand our influence, and live more comfortably. Scripture states, however, that there are times when we must refrain from pursuing or receiving material gifts. In the case of the prophet Elisha, for example, it would have been wrong for him to request or accept gifts for the healing of Naaman’s leprosy (2 Kings 5:15-16). Elisha knew that if he accepted Naaman’s “thank you” gift, the army commander would credit man, not God, for his healing. So even when Naaman persisted, Elisha stood firm, saying, “As surely as the Lord lives . . . I will not accept any gifts” (v.16). I know a sports chaplain who refuses to accept gifts from the professional athletes he works with because he doesn’t want them to question his motives. He simply wants to teach them the Word of God. Today, consider when you should refuse a gift in order to point someone to God. —Roxanne Robbins
List some instances where you might miss God’s blessings by accepting material gifts. When is it appropriate to give and receive material gifts?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: company you keep
We think of your faithful work, your loving deeds (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
READ: 1 John 3:16-19
O ne of the highlights of living in East Africa is meeting men and women from around the world who come through the region to participate in short or long-term missions. Today, for example, while sitting in a Kampala, Uganda, coffee shop, I met a young married couple from Charleston, South Carolina. Amanda and Michael recently moved to Uganda to help their church build a medical center in one of the country’s most impoverished areas. I enjoyed learning about the couple’s work and how the Lord had led them to leave home and serve in Africa. Our conversation reminded me that whether in our own neighborhood or abroad, it’s inspiring to hear about and spend time with people who have experienced God’s love and are in turn sharing it with others. Such individuals strive to live out the essence of 1 John 3 by enthusiastically . . . • Giving up their lives and comforts in behalf of their brothers and sisters around the world (v.16). • Demonstrating God’s love by sharing their money and resources with the poor—showing compassion to brothers and sisters in need (v.17). • Demonstrating love through their actions rather than merely professing love to others (v.18). • Letting their behavior convey God’s truth (v.19). In his bestselling book Today Matters, John C. Maxwell writes, “It’s a fact that you become more like the people you spend time with. If you desire to increase your faith, spend time with others who exercise theirs. Learn from them. Find out how they think.” And, I might add, how they act. As God nudges you to engage in service to others, be intentional about building friendships with people who are already doing so and who can lead you by their example. —Roxanne Robbins
Schedule a meeting with someone who is actively serving others. What steps should you take to serve others in a similar way?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: higher logic
The king called in the man he had forgiven and said, “You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant?” (vv.32-33).
READ: Matthew 18:21-35
While Khalid Sheikh Mohammed awaited trial for plotting the 9/11 terrorist attacks, some US citizens were nervous that he might be acquitted by an inept jury. Others hoped that that would be precisely what happened. If they had turned Khalid out into the angry streets, it wouldn’t have taken long for New Yorkers to exact their revenge. I certainly understand the reason why, but it overlooks the bigger picture. If you’ve ever been to the top of the Empire State Building, you know that—from God’s perspective—the people of New York City look like ants. If God is to us as we are to ants, imagine a colony of carpenter ants systematically chewing up the foundation of your house. You could call the exterminator, but for reasons that aren’t entirely clear you decide to stop their destruction by becoming an ant yourself. The ant leaders are threatened by your arrival, and not knowing what else to do, they incite a mob that mocks and then kills you. What they don’t realize is that you will come back from the dead—for you are more than just an ant—and that your death and resurrection will grant forgiveness and everlasting life to any ant who repents of his destructive ways and follows you (1 John 1:9). Now imagine that one of those ants that believes in you is bullied by another ant. The aggressive ant commits unspeakable acts that heap incalculable misery upon the redeemed ant. It would be normal for the victimized ant to strike back and get revenge. But what if she remembers the higher logic of the human who became an ant? We are that ant, and every time we are sinned against we get to choose: Will we live by the laws of the anthill or forgive as God has forgiven us? (Matthew 18:35). —Mike Wittmer
When you forgive someone, what consequences must you release and what ones must remain?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: get the party started
There was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana. . . . Jesus and His disciples were also invited to the celebration (vv.1-2).
READ: John 2:1-11
Pastor Robert Brearley says, “Weddings are accidents waiting to happen.” I tend to agree. At one wedding where I officiated, some of the decorations in the sanctuary (which had just finished being renovated the night before—making this the first public event) caught fire, ultimately sending one of the wedding cakes up in flames. More than a few times, we’ve seen grooms faint and brides trip over their dresses. At my wedding, I was so nervous that for some reason I laughed uncontrollably.
John’s gospel offers us a wedding scenario where, rather than an accident unfolding, the Messiah goes public. Jesus, His disciples, and His family had gathered in the village of Cana for a wedding (2:1). John’s placement of the story is intentional, presenting the launch of Jesus’ ministry. John lays out seven astounding miracles (or signs) that coalesce to provide the striking conclusion: Jesus is the Son of God.
Jewish wedding festivals were far more extensive than our affairs. Typically, the groom’s family would host seven days of feasting and dancing. A severe social faux pas occurred, however, at the Cana wedding. “The wine supply ran out during the festivities” (v.3). After a conversation with His mother, Jesus told the servants to fill the six stone jars, each holding “twenty to thirty gallons,” with water. Then, miraculously, the water became wine.
The writer adds details highlighting the abundant, generous nature of this act—how the jars were “filled” to the brim (v.7 NIV) and how the volume yielded at least 150 gallons of the “best” wine of the party (v.10).
Here God demonstrated His generous nature by choosing a party for His stage and by providing wine (a symbol for joy) as “the first time” to reveal Jesus’ glory (v.11). —Winn Collier
What images do you have of God? Do they show God as stingy or as generous? How have you experienced God’s generosity?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: the model church
You have become an example to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia (v.7).
READ: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
What church in the New Testament stands out as the model for the rest? This question was asked during a church growth seminar. It was no surprise that no one attempted to give the church in Corinth that honor. Understandably, everyone said it was the infant church in Jerusalem, described in Acts 2:42-47. But to the apostle Paul, the church in Thessalonica was the model church. He told them, “You have become an example [model, NIV] to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia” (1 Thessalonians 1:7).
The church in Thessalonica was characterized by “faithful work, loving deeds,” and the “enduring hope” (v.3). The believers boldly proclaimed the good news to people everywhere, even beyond their own country (v.8). They were a model church because they served the Lord faithfully, loved each other deeply, and expectantly longed to see the Lord at His second coming (vv.9-10). They lived changed lives—so radically altered that people felt the impact. Their godly behavior and Christlike conduct (v.6) were doing the talking. Their 100-percent commitment to God is noticed and talked about (vv.8-9). Indeed, they had “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6 NKJV).
Paul celebrated the fact that they exhibited a lifestyle produced by faith, a labor motivated by love, and a steadfastness anchored in hope (1 Thessalonians 3). These virtues are indispensable and unmistakable trail markers of Christian growth and maturity. They are like a compass for the maturing Christian—providing direction for the way to go. Believers in Jesus should often evaluate their own faith, love, and hope.
Why? Because Paul said these virtues are eternal. “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). What are you modeling to others? —K.T. Sim
How do you measure up to the three virtues—faithful work, loving deeds, and the enduring hope? What is one good deed you can do for an unbeliever this week?
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(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODJ: the weak and the afflicted
Take tender care of those who are weak (v.14).
READ: 1 Thessalonians 5:9-15
During a visit to an East Africa hospital, I met a 10-year-old boy, Joseph, who is severely disfigured. A nurse explained that when Joseph was an infant his mother set him on fire. Though he miraculously survived, his left leg was burned to a mere stub. His right is permanently bent backwards, with webbed toes that were heavily damaged by the flames. Joseph’s left hand is missing two fingers, and, despite multiple operations, his wrist bone protrudes from the skin.
I held Joseph as the nurse changed his bandages, and was amazed when he confidently said to me, “The Lord’s going to make me well!”
I believe Joseph is right. Though I don’t know when or how God will bring healing to the child, I trust Isaiah who prophesied that one day the Lord will come, “and when He comes, He will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!” (Isaiah 35:5-6).
But for now, we live in an age where homes and communities around the world contain broken, hurting people. These individuals, like Joseph, are in dire need of our love and care. The apostle Paul told God’s people to “take tender care of those who are weak” (1 Th. 5:14). His words echo the words of King Solomon in Psalm 72 as he implored God’s people to:
• Judge others in a right and righteous way (v.2).
• Let the poor always be treated fairly (v.2).
• Defend the poor and afflicted (v.4).
• Rescue the children of the needy (v.4).
What can you do today to be a blessing to a physically impaired person in your community? —Roxanne Robbins
How does it reflect God’s heart to care for those who are weak? What keeps you from reaching out to those who are physically impaired?
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(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODJ: be on guard
Then He said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own” (v.15).
READ: Luke 12:13-21
Last year on Christmas Eve, a New York cab driver found more than $21,000 in cash and jewelry left in his cab by an Italian tourist. He drove more than 50 miles to return the possessions to an address he found in the purse. The woman wasn’t home, so he left a note that contained his phone number. The tourist called and the driver drove back and returned her lost items, refusing to accept any kind of reward. The driver said to her, “I’m needy, but I’m not greedy.”
Jesus understood the dangers of greed, and He warned His followers to be on guard against it as well. Approached by a man who demanded that his brother divide his inheritance with him, Jesus responded to his selfish request with a dramatic story about guarding against greed (Luke 12:13).
A certain rich man’s land had produced an abundant crop. He was dissatisfied with his present storehouses and wanted to build bigger barns to store his crops. As he looked to the future, He anticipated many years of ease. But in the middle of his soliloquy of greed, God shook the foundations of his soul with one word: “Fool!” (v.20). He was foolish because, instead of fulfilling his moral duty of meeting the needs of others, he was storing up possessions for himself and wasn’t being rich toward God (v.21). The result was eternity apart from God.
This narrative is a clear warning against one of the seductive dangers of greed—self-sufficiency. Every follower of Jesus can guard against greed by repenting of it (Luke 3:14), being on guard against it, separating ourselves from it (1 Corinthians 5:11), being content with the things God has blessed us with (Hebrews 13:5), seeking God not gain, and serving others with our wealth (1 Timothy 6:17-18). —Marvin Williams
How does greed affect one’s relationship with God? With others? What lessons can we learn and apply from the rich fool’s tragic story?
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