I had just flown back to Atlanta from Washington DC and was glad to be back home. My wife welcomed me back and said, “Great! Let’s go to a concert!” I was not overly excited about driving off to a concert on a cold wintry night in heavy Atlanta traffic. In fact I was feeling more “Bah Humbug” than “We wish you a merry Christmas.” We went despite my tendency towards inertia. We found the concert location and settled in to observe and listen to the “Lessons & Carols” concert at Emory University. The program began and I found myself enjoying the singing and atmosphere. Mid-concert a wonderful number was presented which featured a tall thin young tenor who looked very Scandinavian with blonde hair and beard. He sang beautifully and with incredible power—enough to fill the entire hall above the other singers who numbered over one hundred. I was moved to tears by the following words:
“What shall I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd I’d give him a lamb.
If I were a wise man I’d do my part.
I’ll give him my heart.”
This caused me to reflect on the holiday season and on the status of donations to global missions. Economic times are difficult and many are unemployed—yet the giving season has begun and throngs are out searching for the right gifts for loved ones. I have transparently told several congregations lately that our mission funds are below the level we need to continue operating as we are. Some hear this and express concern that bold efforts around the world could be endangered. They are correct. I have pondered what might be the main cause for this drop in giving and think it is a result of a lack of heart donors. I believe that once you give Jesus your heart the rest of your life will follow. Wealth, time and devotion all coincide to collect and distribute the needed gifts around the world. I hope that more will give Him their hearts in this special season. www.thefellowship.info/ogm