Wrapping Up Our Gifts

One of the most exciting parts of Christmas is seeing all of the gifts under the tree, all wrapped up in beautiful wrapping paper. Let's face it, it would be a totally different experience if all of the presents were sitting there unwrapped in plain view. Not only is it fun on Christmas morning to unwrap the presents, but leading up to that moment, it is nice to see all of the different patterns and designs on the wrapping paper and to wonder what might be inside. As followers of Christ, we have been commanded to love and serve one another and to give gifts of our time and our energy and our talents. We may sometimes worry that our gifts don't measure up or are insufficient and inadequate to really provide meaningful help or lasting change. But we don't have to give alone with only our own strength and power. Much like at Christmas we cover gifts with beautiful wrapping paper, Christ can take our sincere and earnest gifts of service and wrap them up in the beautiful power of His Atonement. When we are engaged in a good work, we do not need to worry how our service will be received when we surrender to God's will and allow Him to multiply our efforts with His own strength. "But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly." When we are in the service of our God, we are not concerned about getting recognition or credit, nor are we worried that our efforts will go to waste. The Lord will make sure that our gifts are wrapped up in His power, and He will likewise wrap us up in His power and love, inspiring us to ever greater acts of love and service.