Pastors’ Ponderings

For those of us who gather in Advent expectation, we know that the only perfect gift ever given was the one we received in Jesus Christ. Finding that perfect gift is hard, often laborious work. Many of us seriously worry that our loved one won’t like the gift, or they might find the gift to be unsatisfactory — so much worry leading up to Christmas. Yet, our congregation knows that our collective gifts through the Christmas Joy Offering celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ, the “perfect gift” from a gracious God. Indeed, there is only one perfect gift.

Think back on those people in your life who have truly developed your faith. It may be a pastor or Christian educator, a youth minister or Sunday school teacher. Devoted and caring leaders have led many of us in the way of Christ. Church workers have shaped our faith, and they have been God’s gifts among us. As we celebrate Christ’s coming and think of the profound impact these individuals have had on us, the Christmas Joy Offering provides a way for us to offer a gift in response, especially for those church workers who find themselves in times where they need assistance to pay bills or receive life-saving medical treatment. Our gifts through the Christmas Joy Offering support these people who give so much of themselves to Christ’s church.

Even as we support our current and former church leaders and their families, God is calling new leaders for our Church and world, through the ministry of Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color — including Menaul School in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Presbyterian Pan-American School in Kingsville, Texas; and Stillman College, a Historically Black College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Schools like these are sustained through the generosity of Presbyterians, which means a brighter future and enhanced opportunities for those students to use their talents and skills to serve God, the Church and the world for years to come. When you give to the Christmas Joy Offering, you help sustain these promises and uplift our siblings in Christ by reducing their burdens and opening new paths of opportunity.

Despite the worry and consternation of this busy season, we can never match God’s perfect gift in Jesus, but through the Christmas Joy Offering, we can testify to who we have known God to be. Our perfect gift comes from above. Our gifts reflect our generous God. Our gifts support leaders in our Church and world — past, present and future.