Article December 19, 1925 Issue

Gift and Giver

JESSIE T. CODDINGTON

"THERE came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. . . . And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him:: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts," we read in the second chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew.

The world had long waited for the coming of the prophet and king who should lead his people into all peace. Is it any wonder that when the news of the birth of the child, Jesus, was heralded, the Wisemen should travel from far to behold him and pour out at his feet their rich gifts, tokens of love and adoration? We too rejoice with the sages of old, and our hearts are filled with profound gratitude to God for the blessings that so enrich our lives, and especially for the gift of His Son, our Way-shower, who has brought to us the light of Truth. His coming means to each one of us more than words can tell; and we humbly bow before him, bringing our love, sacrifice, and service—enduring gifts, which are more acceptable to our Father than any merely material offering. The gifts that please God are consecrated devotion to the Christ-ideal, selfless love and consideration for our brothers, and faithfulness to the Cause of His kingdom.

We may not be rich in what the world calls wealth, but we all have something to give. What is most needed is not so much material things, but our right thinking, our spiritual cooperation, our joyous response to every call of mankind. Like Peter we may say, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." What greater satisfaction can there be than helpfully to meet the immediate need of those who touch our lives?

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