**“Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven.” Lamentations 3:41
“So I throw up my hands
And praise You again and again
‘Cause all that I have is a hallelujah
Hallelujah
And I know it’s not much
But I’ve nothing else fit for a King
Except for a heart singing hallelujah
Hallelujah”
- “Gratitude,” Brandon Heath
Have you ever been invited to an event or party only to realize gifts were expected after you showed up with nothing to give? If you offered your empty hands to the recipient of the party, how grateful would they be? They might think you’d lost it. They would more than likely be offended. But that is exactly what we can bring God, empty hands, and an open heart.
The other night at a Thanksgiving service, “Gratitude” was on the line-up of worship songs, and it really spoke to my soul. As I sat there with the words on the screen, I thought of the shepherds in the field who were visited by angels when Jesus was born. They received personal birth announcements to the greatest birth in history of the King of kings and LORD of lords, and yet they had nothing to give.
They probably hadn’t bathed in weeks, had many responsibilities, and were unprepared for the celebration. The shepherds were empty-handed. Understandably, they could have made excuses and bowed out, but they didn’t. They chose to worship.
What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can give Him: give my heart.
~ Christina Rossetti, “In the Bleak Midwinter”
“So much to do with so little time to do it…” Each year I begin thinking about Christmas in the spring. I get out my notebook, start making my lists, gather supplies, work on ornaments, and obsess about gifts. Gift-giving is my love language, so I tend to go overboard, when possible, especially at Christmas. It is “my thing.”
This year was no different, except that it seemed nearly impossible to find time to work on my normally scheduled Christmas tasks. I fretted, panicked, and melted down many, times, but God saw me through and helped me get most of it done and under my belt. Now that I’ve gotten the majority of my list checked off, I am trying to slow down a little and take a breath that is not red or green.
A few days ago, a friend gave me a book called “The Gifts of Christmas, 25 Joy-filled Devotions for Advent.” I have never really put much emphasis on Advent. This year, I am finding myself doing two studies on it, and I am excited…expecting.
This year, we looked up the word Advent for the first time. It means “expected arrival.”
What arrival am I preparing for?
What am I expecting?
How am I preparing for it?
Jesus was born over 2,000 years ago but is still King of Kings and LORD of LORDS. His birth is still as glorious and miraculous as it was when it happened, and I should celebrate as such. I don’t want to miss the forest for the trees. I want to be expectant, hopeful and wait in anticipation.
His birth, His life, and His death are His eternal gifts to me. So, what do I have to offer Jesus this year?
Empty hands. that’s what.
– Hands lifted to Him in worship.
– Hands to fill with His peace and presence.
– Hands to serve in His name.
– Hands willing to hold others up when they have a hard time standing.
– Hands that beg for more of Him and all He has for me.
And the toughest offering for me…
– Hands that give Him control and trust Him completely to do whatever He sees fit…with my life, my family, my ministry, my time, my energy, my schedule, my all.
“But when we live with expectancy, we live with our arms and our hearts wide open. We’re saying to God, “I trust You. I don’t always understand everything You do, but I do trust You.” – Sheila Walsh; The Gifts of Christmas
The countdown has surely begun. It will be another wonderful season of celebration with family, friends, and our community. Food, fun, and fellowship will abound. May I use my Christmas offering this year to bring God glory and point others to Him.
LORD God, thank You for giving up Your most precious love and sharing Your one and only Son with me. Jesus, thank You for being willing to come as a servant and for willingly laying down Your life so that I can live with You in eternity. As Christmas approaches, may I enjoy “all the things,” but most of all, may I anticipate the celebration of Your arrival, and cherish it in my heart. In the chaos of Christmas, remind me to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the blessing You give. My hands are nothing special to look at. They are worn out, used up, scarred, and show new wrinkles every day, but I offer them to you to fill and use as You see fit. May I worship You, serve You, and hold the gifts You give me tightly. Allow me to use these hands to love on others in Your name, LORD. Thank You for Christmas and all the joy and celebration it brings. Remind me as the days get busy and the time draws close to open my hands and open my heart and offer a hallelujah in worship of my Creator and King. Help me keep my heart, my mind, and my hands in a humble posture, LORD, anticipating how You will use me this next year. In Your Wonderful and Holy Name, Amen.
**Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD.
Each morning I bring my requests to You and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3
**The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:25-26
GRATITUDE
ON THE PORCH 