jakorte's blog

Foreword: Sometimes GOD smacks me more than once a day. Today was one of those days. First it was a gentle tap, and a little inspiration. Followed later by a slightly firmer “I don’t think you’re getting it” smack that now brings tears to my eyes. Contemplating tokens from my coworkers – a lovely pear, some homemade healthy Cheerios snack mix, and delightful truffles, ornaments, cards and best wishes. I started writing…

“Gifts.
Presents.
Is there a difference between the two?

Language says there is. The dictionary says there is. My research has led me here:

Gifts are more valuable than presents defined by this distinction: Gifts are given from the rich to the poor, from those higher in social standing than those receiving the gift.
Presents are given from inferiors to superiors or between those of equal standing.

To me, it makes sense to be sure we always refer to giving as “presents,” based on the knowledge all are created equal – especially in GOD’s eyes.
We can only ever receive “gifts” from GOD, for he is the only true gifter and our only superior.
Especially at Christmas, the presents we pass among our peers reflect our love and acknowledgement of those we hold in regard.
Especially at Christmas, the gifts we’ve been given must be cultivated and used for the glory of GOD and the betterment of all mankind.

Wishing you many blessings this year as you receive presents, and rejoicing that you’re my gift from GOD.”

As my day went on, amid problems and unhappy employees and cranky coworkers, I found myself approaching an evening of blues. I had truly lost my Christmas spirit. Even so, I stopped on the way home to buy the one last “present” on my list. I stood in line for 20 minutes calculating the “real cost” of this particular effort. Of course, I knew it would be worth it. I’m so looking forward to presenting it to a very special young man.

And then, just moments after getting home tonight, I hadn’t even turned on the living room lights in my haste to drop the mail and my briefcase and presents, when I heard music. Christmas music.

Confused, I checked my phone. I don’t know why –I know it doesn’t sing “Hark the Herald Angels.”
My next thought was, “Boy, my neighbors are really getting into the Christmas spirit. They must have their windows open.” So, I opened my front door to peek outside, and maybe yell across the walk to ask what they were up to.

I wasn’t prepared for the six carolers, bundled up and bunched up at the foot of my front porch stairs. In the glow of red railing lights I decided to hang this year, I began to recognize faces. Faces from church who had driven 15 miles to serenade me with words I needed to hear.

Tonight I see, once again, my words are not my own.
I am touched by the present of the carolers’ time and faith, humbled and amazed, once again, by GOD’s gifts of awesome love and perfect timing.

Thanks be to GOD and the Tecumseh United Methodist Church Christmas carolers.

In this issue: Gifts, Social Value of Gifting, Spiritual Gifts, Potlatch,
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