What will you bring?

On the way to church, this beautiful sky signaled the end of another wonderful day. We had to pull over and get a picture. God sure knows how to paint a beautiful picture! Last night we enjoyed a special time for our church family. I wish everyone could have been there - it was so much fun. In the middle of the platform was a Christmas tree with gifts beneath it.

I had several bring wrapped "gifts" to the Lord and place them under the tree. These gifts represented what they would want to bring to Jesus this Christmas. We know that God gave to us, we have already opened His awesome gift - the Holy Ghost! But what will you bring to Him?

Karla was on the platform with me and opened each gift. Inside them were all kinds of things! There were keys from Veronica Eddie representing her new home that the Lord has provided for her. She gave it back to the Lord for His use - that souls could come to know the Lord and God's people could enjoy fellowship together.

A battery and mickey mouse watch was brought by Chris Isom. He and his wife, Christina, explained that they wanted to give more time and energy to the Lord. They were joined by their beautiful family on stage.

Cameron had wrapped a power cord and screwdriver to represent his talents. Not his building talents, but that he could be used as tools in the hands of the Master! He had a great thought... to be that connection between the ultimate power above and the powerless souls that surround us here on Earth.

A pair of "bling" red shoes was wrapped by Angela Deaver. She spoke about giving her worship and praise to the King who deserves it, breaking her alabaster box for His enjoyment. She had it acted out by her girls and a couple others! Karla felt to step up and sing the chorus "...You weren't there the night He found me, you did not feel what I felt when He wrapped His arms around me, and you don't know the cost of the oil in my alabaster box..." The presence of the Lord was so strong!

Art Zuniga wrapped his checkbook and explained his desire to give his finances to the Lord. He wonderfully told of how God had become so real in his life this year. Art has such a servant's heart and beautiful spirit.

Wrapped beautifully were pictures of a beautiful family - the family of Rebecca Warren. She emotionally told of her desire for her family to know Jesus like she does while showing their Christmas picture.

It was ended up by Joe Navarro and his two gorgeous girls. He broke and began to cry as he explained that he had wrapped his video camera to give to the Lord. It represented memories that he wanted his girls to have that he never had. He grew up on the streets of Chicago with nothing. Yet, here he stands with his kids and wife in church, owning a home and making memories. His life is the Lord's.

We had fun opening the gifts and acting goofy - but mixed in was the beautiful Spirit of God reminding us that in this Christmas season we have much that we can give to Him. It is so wonderful to be able to enjoy these special times together with your church family!