"Give More"

Pastor Laura Guy

December 13, 2009

Here's an instant replay of what happened in worship:

We thought about some of our favorite Christmas memories. Although some of them may have to do with gifts, most of them have to do with spending time with the people we love.
We realized that the tagline for the Advent Conspiracy - "Give Presence" - was a reminder that it isn't gifts our loved ones will cherish most, it's the time we spend with them. Being physically, mentally and emotionally present to people is the best thing we can do for them.
We read Luke 2:8-20 and saw how the shepherds left their jobs to go be present to the miracle of Christ's birth. They left something important so they could go do something even more important.
We heard the story of Babushka, the old woman who gives toys to Russian children at Christmas. The legend says that the 3 kings came to her house as they were following the star. They asked for her help, but she said she was too busy with housework to go with them. After they left, she regretted her decision. So she tried to find them and the baby they sought. But she never did. Every Christmas she goes from house to house, looking at all the sleeping children to try to find the Christ-child. Babushka missed her chance. But the shepherds didn't.
We acknowledged that God is a giver, and we are created in the image of this Giver. God gave Himself relationally in Jesus. We are called to give ourselves away - to give presence - this Christmas season and throughout the year.
We prayed that God would help us find ways to give ourselves to others.
We celebrated communion at the table of love.