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Isaiah 3:1–4:1
1 Thessalonians
4:1-12
Luke 20:41–21:4
In the Luke passage, Jesus
tells the story of a widow who goes to the temple and, trying not to be
noticed, gives two coins while the rich make a great show of dropping much more
into the collection box at the temple.
Jesus notes that the widow made the greater sacrifice in giving all she
had, while the rich would hardly miss the smaller portion of all they had. Many times we think that what we have to
offer, whether it is time, talents, or money, isn’t enough. That belief may sometimes make us reluctant
to give anything at all. God reminds us
that if we give our all, we give enough.
This parable also reminds
us that we all must contribute in our own ways to the life and work of the church,
not just during Advent and Christmas, but throughout the year. If we all give what we can—the money we would
save by skipping a few lattés at Starbucks; a few hours helping with the Thrift
Shop, church Web site, or coffee fellowship; singing in a choir, playing
handbells, or writing a meditation for the Advent booklet; assisting with the Sunday
School or youth ministries; or leading or serving on one of Epworth’s
ministries or working groups—the church has a much greater chance of success in
creating disciples for Jesus Christ than when the work is left to a dedicated
few.
At this time of year we
often hear the song that tells the story of the little drummer boy. He felt that he did not have a gift that was
fit for a king because he did not have money to buy a gift. He decides to play a song for the baby Jesus,
to give Him all that he had. He gave his
all and Jesus smiled back at him. When
you give your all you see God smile.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for blessing us with
unique gifts. Please help us find the
will to use those gifts in a way that benefits the church and the world. Amen.
Sarah Jane Skinker and
Linda D’Aloisio
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ADVENT 2007
Epworth United Methodist Church