Have you got a present for the King

By Abraham Sackey

Christmas is just around the corner and we find our thoughts turning to presents; what we may be expecting to receive and what we may probably have to give.

In some cultures, the Christmas season is the time to show appreciation for the help, blessings and ministries that have been received. This is done by the giving of presents.

Christmas is supposed to be the season of goodwill towards all men and women. Disputes are settled or at least put to one side until Christmas Day is over. This was the case in 1914 when a series of widespread unofficial ceasefires occurred along the Western Front of the First World War. Young soldiers on opposing sides played football, exchanged cigarettes and sang carols in their national languages; English, French and German.

Perhaps one needs to reflect on the events of the year 2021 and consider the kind of present one should give to the King, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. I will not be so naïve to assume that 2021 has been rosy for everyone. The sicknesses, emotional traumas, deaths, job losses, reduction in tithes and offerings and other pressures have been there for all to see.

And yet one dares to ask: Have you got a present for your King?

The hymn writer says “Count your blessings, name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done. Others say “It could have been worse.” So then, in the light of the blessings you have received from God, what gift or present have you got for Him?

I am reminded of the slogan “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas” which was created by Clarissa Baldwin, the then-Chief Executive of The National Canine Defence League all the way back in 1978. Perhaps you would want to consider a present that is not just for Christmas but for a long while to come. The Three Wise Men brought gifts with specific aims in mind. They brought gold, frankincense and myrrh; “purpose driven gifts”, long lasting and with destiny in mind.

What would my God want from me and am I in a position to offer it?

Is it possible that what my God would want from me for Christmas may not be something newly purchased but rather just a changed mindset that appreciates what He has previously bestowed on me? Perhaps my appreciation of my co-labourers in His vineyard, perhaps giving due care and attention to my spouse and children, perhaps offering better care for the flock over which He has made me an overseer?

Could it be that for a present He would want me to return to my first love as was the case with the Church in Ephesus. “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. (Revelation 2:4-5)

Perhaps one needs to return to the days of fellowship with Him in prayer and the study of His word, waiting on Him to receive in order to go out and impart and be a better ambassador for Christ? Perhaps the Lord is saying to you “My son, give me your heart, And let your eyes observe my ways.” (Proverbs 23:26)

As well as desiring to be better in character, holiness, aptitude in the ministry and all pleasing in His sight, we should also ask that He would confirm our hearts’ desire to work and speak and think for Him. Where are the battle axes of the Lord? Perhaps you may want to ask me to calm myself down? Perhaps with the darkness and unimaginable things we see and hear (and hopefully do not engage in) as we ponder on the gift or gifts we would give to the King we may also want a present from the King. This is the last verse or stanza from the Carol “In the bleak midwinter”:

What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.

Christmas is a season for the exchange of gifts; giving and receiving. My prayer for myself and for you also is that we will give the King our very best and expect something great from Him. Something great with which we will serve Him and His people and mankind as a whole.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance.

Abraham Sackey