| Listing By Titles | Old Testament References | New Testament References |
OVERFLOWING LOVE
Giving and Recieving
|
One of the joys I had at Christmastime as a mother of three young children, was "playing Santa" and filling the stockings that "hung by the chimney with care."* For weeks ahead I bought "little things" that I knew each child would like. And now, with the kids
"nestled all snug in their beds," * I proceeded to fill each sock. Carried away with buying toys, there was always too much for the size of the sock! I wrapped each gift, stuffing and pushing it all the way down even as far as the big toe. And then began the overflow, connected by ribbon and trailed down to the floor! (*quoted from A Visit From St. Nicholas, 1872, Clement Clarke Moore) I was just doing naturally by earthly means what God does supernaturally by His Spirit. He knows what our needs are and it brings Him delight just to fill us with His overflowing giftings. I am reminded of Scripture which tells us, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:13) With the gift of the Holy Spirit we are filled to overflowing, spilling out and overflowing into the world around us! Thus is God's goodness poured out and over into others, to be repeated over and over! Each time, it's given back to God as our gift to Him. "When the Holy Spirit breaks into our lives our hearts become prayerful, our ministry joyful, and our generosity extravagant." (Stewardship: a Disciple's Response. National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington DC Catholic conference, 1993) No longer are there stockings for me to fill on Christmas Eve. In their place, my gifts from God are scattered out to others as He leads throughout the year. May all your Christmases be bright and each and every year filled with God's light!
 TO ARCHIVE HOME PAGE © Constance Vanides |