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Gifts
Matthew 2:1-11
January 7, 2007

We have survived, yet another of the season's rituals…the giving and receiving of gifts. The presents have been opened, gift-wrap tossed aside and we gift giving junkies press on to the next gift-buying extravaganza.

In one of the December issues of the New Yorker there was an article about this whole holiday gift-giving phenomenon. The author says, "Christmas shopping in the US has been a reliable source of anxiety and stress for well over a century." Gift cards are quite popular serving as the creative alternative to giving that unwanted item that usually ends up being exchanged, put in a drawer, or re-gifted. The article goes on to say that in general people spend a lot more on presents than they are worth to those who receive them. You know, the $80.00 sweater you received that you would have only paid $65.00 for. The term they give it, "the deadweight loss of Christmas." It seems to me there is a significant amount of deadweight loss that occurs during the holiday season. At the conclusion of the piece the author writes that it really isn't about how much we spend but the thought we put into who we are giving our gift to…He says, "We might be happier-and we'd certainly be wealthier-if we exchanged small, well-considered gifts rather than haunting the malls."

I think he might be right, don't you?

Yesterday was Epiphany, the day in the liturgical year where we remember the magi who journeyed from a distant land, following the light of a bright star, in search of the Christ Child. And as the story goes, these magi also come bearing gifts.
But I think there is much more to this ancient story than the gifts they give to Jesus. I think the magi also bring to us the gift of their example. The way they up and left familiar surroundings in search of a king they had little knowledge or awareness of, who was from a religious tradition very different from theirs, and their willingness to trust that the light of this really bright star could guide them where they needed to go.

The dictionary defines the event of Epiphany as the manifestation of a divine being. The term epiphany means to show, make known, or to reveal. In the context of this story recorded for us in the gospel of Matthew, the magi come to give honor to Christ, the Messiah King as foretold in the writings of the Jewish prophets.

Today, we commonly use the term, "epiphany" to describe a flash of insight or needed clarity in our lives, a sudden intuitive leap of understanding, which usually comes through some rather ordinary, but striking occurrence in our life. My epiphanies often come to me while running, for instance, or when I am sitting out by the lake at one of my favorite alone spots. I have had them during a productive session with a therapist. And yes, I've even had epiphanies here with you in meeting for worship.

Have you had any epiphanies lately?

It probably is safe to say that most of us have had moments where we finally get whatever needed getting. I find these moments rather thrilling when they happen to me. I believe epiphanies are one of the ways that God gifts us. Are you here this morning in need of such a gift?

Certainly, the gifts with most value have little to do with the exchange of material goods. I'm finding that which will deeply satisfy the longing of my heart is clearly a gift that God alone can give me. I happen to believe that this gift is already within us. We just have trouble believing it and trusting in it.

Throughout our lives, God just keeps gifting us, lavishly and freely…but sometimes we just aren't awake to it, or we fail to recognize the gift because of the way it comes packaged. For example, God's gifts often come to us while we are walking through grief or loss, or through some financial hardship, or in the painful struggle with an addiction, or in the midst of some deep disappointment or hurt. It isn't always easy to find the gift in this kind of suffering, is it?

And yet we have countless stories of fellow travelers who have been given amazing gifts in the face of immense suffering. Frankly, I never would have chosen the life circumstances in which I have grown most profoundly, and changed most radically. But you see, there is the gift. But receiving these gifts requires that we keep our hearts tender and open and full of faith. And it is quite possible that we may not see the gift until years later.

Toward the end of Wendell Berry's novel, "Jaber Crow", the title character reflects on his life as a barber in a Kentucky town. Jaber says, "I am a man who has hoped, in time, that his life, when poured out would say, 'Good-good-good-good-good!' like a gallon jug of the prime local spirit. I am a man of losses, regrets, and grief. I am an old man full of love and I am a man of faith." Jaber discovers his gift. He comes to this sense of being a man of faith, hope and love only through a long journey of struggle, anger, and loneliness.

What is happening in your life at present? What gift might God be giving you? Could it be that the gift in your present circumstance is the opportunity for you to grow and change some old ways of being and doing that no longer serve you or those around you? Are you open to receiving from God a new spirit, a fresh new perspective for the life you are living right now?

It may be as simple as acknowledging that you don't know what to do next; but you are willing to trust God with the unknowns. The gift in that scenario may come in realizing that you are not alone. You have wonderful family and friends around you. Whatever the situation that you are currently facing…put it in God's hands. I believe that God will reveal to you what you need to know in due time.

The Magi seemed to have this simple faith as they set out on their journey into unfamiliar territory led only by the Light of a star in the sky. Friends, even when the way leads through dark places, God's guidance is always there for us. From my own experience and the experience of countless others, guidance and wisdom are some of the most precious gifts God gives us. Trust that these gifts are truly there for you.

One of the things that I am continuing to learn is that our relationship with God is one of giving and receiving, giving and receiving, giving and receiving. God gives God-self to us and we respond by giving ourselves to God. It really is one of the great mysteries.

I frequently ask God "How do you want to use me today? How can I give of myself to those who are in my life?"
Are we willing to ask God to show us what we need to be giving to others? Sometimes we just need to get together and share what are learning and struggling with, much like what has happened in the life story circle over the past few months

Some of you are writers… I encourage you to give that gift to the world. Some of you are talented musicians… give your gift to the world. Some of you are teachers, doctors, therapists, mediators, educated; well-trained professionals… give that gift to the world. Whatever your gift might be, give it with conscious intention and a full heart.

Giving seems to be in God's very nature. If we are truly created in God's image we are meant to be givers, as well. Just like a conscious, well thought out Christmas gift, we are meant to give careful attention to the way we can give of ourselves to others.

In your personal relationships, with your families, with your spouse, your friends…What gift do you need to be giving them? Maybe, it is the gift of your time and attention. Maybe, it is the gift of your forgiveness. Maybe, it is the gift of respectful listening and honest open communication. Maybe it is the gift of just showing up authentically and admitting that you are afraid and don't have all the answers. As my good friend, Sam Murphy says, "It is not always about being right, it is about being real with each other."

And let's not overlook the gifts we withhold from ourselves when we rush through life mindlessly, frenetically, never pausing to reflect, wait or listen for our inner wisdom to emerge. Most of the time we need to slow down in order to hear that ever-present still small voice of God within. Maybe, the gift that needs giving is the gift of better self care, a greater simplicity of schedule, more rest, exercise, and healthy eating habits.

So as we begin 2007, what gift do you need to receive from God this morning? Are you in need of an epiphany? Just keep following the Light of God/Christ. Trust that wisdom and guidance will be there for you when you need it.

Are you willing to give the gift of yourself to God?
What gift do you bring to the world?
Will you choose to give it?
And lastly, what gift do you need to give yourself?

Allow me to close with this little poem by Howard Thurman.

Gifts on My Altar
I place these gifts on my altar this Christmas;
Gifts that are mine, as the years are mine.
The quiet hopes that flood the earnest cargo of my dreams;
The best of all good things for those I love.
A fresh new trust for all whose faith is dim.
The love of life, God's precious gift in reach of all:
Seeing in each day the seeds of the morrow,
Finding in each struggle the strength of renewal,
Seeking in each person the face of my brother (and sister).
I place these gifts on my altar this Christmas;
Gifts that are mine, as the years are mine.
Amen.