Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

— Matthew 2:11, HCSB  

The Testimony 

Thousands of dollars will be worse than thrown away upon the coming Christmas and New Year’s in needless indulgences. But it is our privilege to...make the coming holidays an occasion in which to honor and glorify God. 

Those who appreciate the gift of God’s dear Son to save them from ruin, now have a favorable opportunity to give tangible proofs of their gratitude by rendering to God their thank-offerings... If we would give to the cause of our Redeemer one-half as much as we have bestowed upon our friends, we would do much good and receive a blessing for giving. 

As every blessing we enjoy is brought to us through the condescension, humiliation, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we should render to him our best gifts, above all not withholding ourselves. The infinite sacrifice which Christ has made to free us from the guilt and woe of sin, should work in every heart a spirit of gratitude and self-denial which is not manifested by the world. God’s gift of Christ to man filled all Heaven with amazement, and inspired at his birth the angelic song, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Let us seek to faithfully represent Christ on the coming festal days by imitating his example as he went about doing good. 

There are many who have not books and publications upon present truth. Here is a large field where money can be safely invested... Let the presents you shall make be of that order which will shed beams of light upon the pathway to Heaven. 

We are now nearing the close of another year, and shall we not make these festal days opportunities in which to bring to God our offerings? 

God would be well pleased if on Christmas, each church would have a Christmas tree on which shall be hung offerings, great and small.

The tree may be as tall and its branches as wide as shall best suit the occasion; but let its boughs be laden with the golden and silver fruit of your beneficence, and present this to Him as your Christmas gift. Let your donations be sanctified by prayer. 

— The Review and Herald, December 11, 1879 

The Response

Show you appreciate the gift of God’s dear Son to save you from ruin by your thank-offerings. It will do much good and you will receive a blessing for giving. 

Render to Jesus Christ your best gifts, above all do not withhold yourself. Pray for your heart to be filled with a spirit of gratitude and self-denial.

Let the presents you give be the type that will shed beams of light on the pathway to Heaven. 

Present offerings to God as your Christmas gift and let your donations be sanctified by prayer.