The whole reason the church exists is to share the Good News of God ?s gift to the world, his son Jesus and the forgiveness of sins that he offers. As we focus on the season where even the world focuses on giving gifts, let us bridge the gap through our giving.
The obvious gap exists where the world doesn ?t know why Christmas exists. As Christians celebrate Christmas, even in simple gift-giving, we need to share the angel ?s message of Luke 2:10-11: ?Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. ?
Another gap exists between individuals. There are far too many broken families, friendships, and communities for us to celebrate the gift of reconciliation with God without attempting to reconcile with the people around us. Paul reminds us in Romans 5:8 that ?God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ? If you ?re experiencing any kind of friction with someone you know, take the opportunity to follow God ?s example and give a ?peace offering ? to start the process of reconciliation.
There are many other gaps that we are working to bridge through our many ministry teams at the church. Many of those teams have to purchase materials and resources, and so we need to support those ministries by giving our money, our time, and our abilities.
The point is pretty obvious, we give because God gave to us. Our gifts can ?t compare to the gift of eternal life that God gave through Jesus, but if we don ?t try to bridge the gaps that exist, many people won ?t know that God has offered that gift to all people.