Every year I have the exact same experience during the season of Advent. The first Sunday is immediately after Thanksgiving. And while there is a liturgical shift, it really doesn’t do much to shift me into a different season. Then comes the second Sunday. That’s when everything changes gears.
For then last fifteen years, the second Sunday of Advent, our church has celebrated the season with a Christmas concert. It is something I truly look forward to. This year was exceptional.
As laser generated green and red snowflakes drifted down from the domed ceiling and the sanctuary was filled with beautiful Christmas classics, all I could do is give God thanks for the gift of music and its impact on my soul.
This got me thinking.
As usual, Dr. Bradley was playing the organ like it was a full-contact sport.
Sam, who is irritatingly talented, played the piano in a masterful way.
Penny sang the most beautiful version of O Holy Night I have ever heard.
George sang Sweet Little Jesus Boy. That’s the moment I realized George is a medical miracle because his vocal cords go all the way down to his toenails.
Clayton and Andrew blew the roof off of the sanctuary playing Tuba Christmas, while Chris was using his technical expertise in the sound booth to livestream the program. He was busier than a one armed paperhanger.
Many people used their remarkable, uniquely different gifts to make the concert a truly joyous event.
Did you know you too, have a remarkable, unique gift? God made you for a specific purpose and you will not be whole until you are using your gift the way God intended.
This is why Paul said, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.“ (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
Today, make the decision to use your gift to glorify the One who made and saved you. That’s why you are here.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, today I will use whatever gift you have given me to make a difference in this world. Use me for your purpose. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
The only way to be fully human is to do what God put you on this earth to do.
Find your gift and use it. You will bring a smile to God’s face.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 