God Hears Her: A Joyful ChristmasMinta

Our Perfect Gift Every year our local botanical garden hosts a celebration of Christmas around the world. My favorite display is a French nativity. Instead of the traditional scene showing shepherds and wise men with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh gathered around the manger, it shows French villagers bringing their gifts to baby Jesus. They bring bread, wine, cheese, flowers, and other items that God has given them the ability to produce. This reminds me of the Old Testament command to bring the first fruits of our labor to the house of the Lord (Exodus 23:16–19). This depiction of the nativity illustrates that everything we have comes from God, so the only thing we have to give is something that God has given us. When Paul instructed the Romans to present themselves as a living sacrifice (12:1), he told them to give back to God what God had given them—their selves. This includes the gifts He gave them, even their ability to earn a living. We know that God gives people special capabilities. Some, like David, were skilled in music (1 Samuel 16:18). Some, like Bezalel and Oholiab, were skilled in artistic works (Exodus 35:30–35). Others have skills in writing, teaching, gardening, and many other things. When we give back to God what He has first given to us, we give Him the perfect gift—ourselves. —Julie Savor the joy of serving God with your abilities.