Akin to Regifting

Acts 2:38-39

Verse 39  “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

    The last few days we have talked about the gifts of hope we are given.  But gifts aren’t just for receiving.  Just as with many celebrations around the Christmas season we receive and we give.  The hope we have in Christ is only living a half-life in us if we aren’t passing it along to those around us.

    The other day we talked about the hope of those in exile and we mentioned that it had to do with generational disobedience to God.  Shouldn’t that make us more intentional about making sure the generations coming after us are grounded in the hope of God?  We have a great responsibility to the children in our lives.  Whether they are children born into our family or those baptized into our church family, we have the role of helping them find the hope of Christ.

    This can happen in different ways.  Maybe it does come in the form of gifts – Bible story books, Bibles, or devotionals as they grow.  As they grow older there are other gifts that can be given that will keep God’s Word in front of them.  Things with Scripture verses like plaques, notebooks, t-shirts, and various other gift type items can provide subtle reminders of the hope we have as Christians.

    Another way we can gift the hope of the Lord to the young people in our lives is living into their lives.  That may show up in passing, yet intentional, conversations with those in the younger generations.  It may not start out as a conversation about Jesus, but when we talk with them and start to get to know them a little more, it will open doors to a friendship.  Friendships that cross generations provide opportunities to speak truth or be approached for advice in the future.  Cross generational friendships are gifts that can last a lifetime.

    We can give the gift of the hope of Christ as Sunday School and Catechism teachers, GEMS or Cadet leaders or Youth Group leaders, but we have to know that isn’t the only way we can pass on the hope of Christ.  Part of our vows at a child’s baptism was that we would help them know Jesus.  We must honor that vow and seek every opportunity to help each other know the gift of hope.

Making It Personal

    Who gave you the gift of hope in Christ?  In what ways have you given the gift of hope to others?  In what ways could you be better about giving the gift of hope?

Making It Personal Kids

    Who has shown you the gift of hope in Jesus?  Are there ways that you can share the gift of hope with others?  Who will you give the gift of hope to?

Closing Prayer

    Father, thank You for giving us a gift that can be received and given.  Help us to freely give the gift of hope in You to everyone we meet.  In Jesus’ name, amen.