“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry is one of my favorite short stories. Della and Jim were very much in love but also very poor. Each had a unique possession. Della’s hair was her glory. When let down, it was like a robe. Jim owned a gold pocket watch given to him by his father.
The day before Christmas, Della had only one dollar and eighty-seven cents to buy her husband a gift. She went out and sold her hair for twenty dollars. She then bought a beautiful platinum fob for Jim’s watch.
When Jim came home from work and saw Della with her hair short, he was stunned. It wasn’t that she was unattractive. She was lovelier than ever. Slowly he handed his gift to her. His gift was a set of expensive tortoise-shell combs with jeweled edges for her beautiful hair. How could he afford them? He had sold his gold watch to buy them for her. Each gave the best they had to show their love for one another. God has done even more at Christmas to show his love.
On Christmas Eve we light all five Advent candles, read selected scripture and sing Christmas songs. If your family or a friend would like to light one of the candles and read a scripture let me know. (Office – 277-6300 or text me at 669-3734).
A misprint in a church bulletin read: “I Heard the Bills on Christmas Day.” It can get a little crazy and expensive if you are not careful. My recommendation: slow down-spend sensibly-enjoy family and treasure God’s gift.
Our mission/purpose is pretty simple: “To glorify God by believing in Jesus, becoming like Jesus and bringing others to Jesus.” Sure we can improve, but I’m proud of the progress we are making.
Thanks for allowing me a Sunday away on my birthday.
Turning sixty-six seems ancient to some and young to others. There are at least five things I would not trade anything for: my salvation, my family, my integrity, our country, and this church.
I’ll see you Sunday.