Lavish Generosity

Wednesday December 10, 2014

During my last year of school, I saved up my money in order to buy extravagant gifts for my family. When Christmas came, I blew the whole lot on my parents, my sister and my grandparents. I imagined that - with university looming - I might never have the chance to be as generous with my money again.

It would be dangerous, however, to equate generosity only with giving money or gifts. It´s also true that since we live in a culture where the insatiable desire for more threatens to overwhelm us, it´s good to distinguish between generosity and obsessive, selfish consumerism. Still, I consider myself and advocate for the old fashioned practice of giving gifts at Christmas. Done well, I believe that giving to another can reflect in some small way the very heart of God´s extravagant gift - the Gift we celebrate each 25 December (Luke 1:46-55).

The very heart of God´s good news is lavish generosity. The gospel shatters our narrow self-centredness because it declares a truth that borders on the absurd : God, Creator and Ruler of all, came to us.... to us. And God came as a helpless baby.... a baby. This Gift first came to Mary, and she was overwhelmed. "The Mighty One... has done great things for me," she exclaimed (v.49).

This Gift has been extended to us all - a gift beyond our wildest imagination, and one we could never manage on our own. This Christmas, in honour of the Greatest Gift, I´ll be giving gifts too. I want to give more of my time, more of myself and my attention, more words and prayers and hugs. But also, I´ll be giving a few gifts that are lavish-gifts that make for joy and smiles (vv. 46-47). I´ll be following God´s example. - Winn Collier

Read
Luke 1:46-56
And Mary said :
" My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rules from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Matthew 7:11
If you, the, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Question to Ponder
What´s the most lavish gift a person has ever given you?
How has God demonstrated His generosity to you?

**Article taken from ODJ (Our Daily Journey with God) Dec 2014- Feb 2015 issue