Gifts For God

“No man should appear before the Lord empty-handed.”  Deuteronomy 16:16

The Christmas season is upon us, but my morning Bible reading has me in the middle of Deuteronomy.  Every word of God’s Word is wonderful, but details of a kosher diet (vultures and owls are out; goats and grasshoppers are in) and the architectural design of a roof (build a safety wall in case of a fall) aren’t helping me move into the holiday mode.  However, a few days ago, tucked away in the instructions about annual feasts, I found this timely treasure. “No man should appear before the Lord empty-handed.  Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you”(Duet 16:16-17).

Since I’m trying to avoid the rush and have been making my list and checking it more than twice, gifts have recently been on my mind, but I must admit that nowhere among the names did I write “the Lord.”  This verse reminded me that as I think about what to share with family and friends, giving back a little to the One who has blessed me with a lot is more than just a good idea.  It’s what transforms ordinary observances into joyful celebrations.   

The Israelites were commanded to come three times a year to the place God would choose.  And when they came, they were to bring a gift to God.  “No one should appear before the Lord empty-handed.”  Their barns would be full of God’s blessings, and their offerings were to be a reflection of His gracious bounty.  

Ours should be as well, for never has a barn been more full of God’s blessings than that night in Bethlehem when God’s grace showed up in skin.  All who were part of that first Christmas gave something. None appeared empty-handed.  Mary offered surrender.  “I am the Lord’s servant.  May it be to me as you have said”(Lk 1:38).  Joseph gave obedience. “He did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife”(Matt 1:24). The hosts of heaven showed up with praise. “Suddenly a great company of heavenly host appeared, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest’”(Lk 2:13-14).  The shepherds brought excitement. “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see…so they hurried off”(Lk 2:16).   The wise men presented worship.  “And they bowed down and worshiped him”(Matt 2:11).  And the One who came gave His life.

This Christmas, put the Lord at the top of your list, and consider what you can give back in response to His bountiful blessings.

Our hands won’t be empty when our hearts are full.