Friday, December 29, 2006 @ 1:10 AM
The Season of Giving
When Christmas comes around every year, we are reminded to give. Its a wonderful reminder I think, because real giving will bring joy to the heart of the giver =) If giving wasn't good, Jesus wouldn't have said 'it is more blessed to give than to receive', in Acts 20:35. My Dad liked to emphasize this verse when I was younger, and I'm so glad he did because its certainly one of my favourite verses today.
Not too long ago, I read in a Christian bestseller (I'm halfway through but its been a very good read so far) that some of us have learnt the wrong meaning for the word 'gift'. Quoting from the book, 'a gift by its very nature is not payment for services rendered' and 'a gift is not a gift when it is given to smooth ruffled feathers/to offset harsh words spoken'. The greek word for gift is 'charis', which means 'grace', or an undeserved gift. A gift is given without strings attached, or it ceases to be a gift. The last, but probably most important reminder from the author was that the gift must be given in love.
Let's be real givers, not just during Christmas, but all throughout the year! =) We may not ask for it but the wonderful part is that blessing and joy are sure to return in greater measure!
I did my least Christmas shopping this year because of my hectic work schedule. I managed to get gifts for all my cell members at least (with help from my co-leader), and gifts for my sister and a few other friends. I had a a very enjoyable weekend overall, starting from the Christmas Outreach Service on Saturday, to Christmas dinner and gift exchange with my relatives on Sunday, and to the Crusade party on Christmas night. My church invited a world class Christian guitarist to perform for half an hour at the Service, and he was an absolute joy to hear. Alvaro Sanchez if you may have heard of him. He was actually invited by the President to perform at the Istana not too long ago-that's how good he is. We had a great time singing carols at the Crusade party-loads of laughter hahahohoho! (Special thanks to Jason & Jem) =D I hope everyone liked the ice wine n the fruit punch I concocted from my aunt's recipe heh =)
Pics from the weekend
Cell Outing @ Miss Clarity Cafe
Alvaro Sanchez - Harp Special
TILES (my cell group) & our friends
LightShine
