12-30-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
December 30, 2025
A strange thing happened yesterday—Donna and I drove north, and it got cold! As we look at our travels over the next few days, it’s going to get even colder. Though without going into details, I was gifted with a new coat. It was a perfect timing thing, and it has received an excellent initial day of testing. And let’s just say that it passed the test with flying colors. 

Shortly after the birth narrative of Jesus, at least according to Luke’s Gospel, we turn to John the Baptist early in his ministry. In Luke 3, we read:

And the crowds asked him, “What, then, should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise” (vs. 10-11). 

Let’s be clear, I had a coat, but it’s still nice to receive a gift. Acts of generosity often inspire generosity. And this gift has left me asking the question, “Where do I need to share a gift?” I know those who gifted me with the coat didn’t give it with any strings attached, including that I would demonstrate generosity toward someone else. But there is still something that touches the soul in those moments when we realize that we have been given a gift that we did not earn or deserve. Our gratitude is often best expressed when we gift someone else.

Holy God, you are the initiator of all generosity, and we give thanks to you and all those who have been blessed by your generosity in such a way that they too desire to be generous. Amen.