With Christmas right around the corner, we are all in the "spirit of giving". We have waited in lines (some at 3:00 AM!) for hours joined with perfect strangers in hopes to get that perfect gift for a loved one. We have probably spent more money than we should have with the intent of bringing someone happiness -however temporary it may be.
Could we have done more? Should we venture out one more time to get that last minute gift to take us over the top? What if they don't like the gift I got them? What if it's the wrong size? I'll be honest with you - we've spent more on our kids this Christmas than ever, yet I still want to get them more. Did I mention that I'm currently unemployed and need to be out of my house in three weeks?
Christmas is about giving. Afterall, God gave His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. He is the reason for the season. He is the reason why WE give.
But what about the other 364 days of the year? What do we give to those we love inbetween Christmas? I came across this story in the current issue of Enrichment that illustrates what we truly need to give all year long.
Fritz Kreisler, the world-famous violinist, earned a fourtune with his concerts and compositions, but he gave most of his earnings away. So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he was unable to buy it. Later, having raised enough money to meet the asking price, he returned to the seller, hoping to purchase the beautiful instrument. But the violin had been sold to a collector.
Kreisler made his way to the new owner's home and offered to buy the violin. The collector said it had become his prized possession and he would not sell it. Keenly disappointed, Kreisler was about to leave when he had an idea. "Could I play the instrument once more before it is consigned to silence?" he asked.
Permission was granted, and the great virtuoso filled the room with such heart-warming music that the collectors emotions were deeply stirred. "I have no right to keep the violin to myself," he exclaimed. "It is yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it."
We have a message to share - something to give away. We may not be able to play the violin as Mr. Kreisler, but we have been created to make beautiful music with the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. We were made to give it away. More than the red wool sweater and the Craftsman 45 piece tool set, we are to give away the very gift of salvation that we have freely received. What are you giving this Christmas?
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