It’s the last week before Christmas and I’m making my list and checking it twice!  Sounds like a song, huh?!

(Don’t mind me; I think I’m funny sometimes!)

Anyway, Christmas is my favorite time of year.

In the month of December I can be found trekking through stores and browsing websites online to find the perfect gifts for each of those I love.  In addition, I make my Christmas crunch for close friends and have been known to sing a carol or two to spread some cheer.

I make a significant effort during the Christmas holiday to share with others the love of Christ through my gifts, talents and time.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

Ah, ha!  But do I make this same effort to share ‘true gifts’ throughout the rest of the year? Um. No.

Truth be known, I flake out about New Years and glide until Halloween when I have to start thinking about getting gifts for my sister’s children because we celebrate Christmas the day after Thanksgiving since we are all together.  Nice. Huh?

Not good.  I need a different approach this year, but what gifts am I talking about?

1. Time.  It’s about time that I actually GIVE time.  How many of us say we don’t have time, but waste an entire Sunday watching football?  Hm.  I don’t know anyone like that!  Hee, hee!  The fact is I don’t make time for others like I should and this needs to change.
2. Talents.  Everyone is good at something.  No one was born on this Earth without a talent.  It might not be singing, dancing, or writing…but, it’s SOMETHING.  Thankfully, I know what my talents are and I need to use them more for the good of others.  I’ve been writing this past year, but I believe I need to include my other talents in 2013 because it might help someone else.
3. Truth.  Spreading the Truth of Jesus Christ has the power to save another’s life.  How cool would that be?  I can’t think of a better gift to share!!!

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

So…as the week winds down, the children start their holiday break and we prepare for the birthday of our Lord, Jesus Christ, take time to consider your gifts and what you have to offer the world.

Then make a plan to USE them.  You’ll be really glad you did!

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 18:16 – A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.