Boxing Day - What's in your box?

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18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

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I trust that you have had a blessed Christmas Day, celebrating the love of Christ and in turn the love we share for one another.

Today, the real story begins. Day 1, if you like. How will you take the spirit of Christmas into the remainder of the festive period but then more importantly, how this becomes your everyday life - the 365, 24/7 life you lead. How will you worship God in all you do?

Today, is Boxing Day. In the past, it was a day when generally, the rich gave to the poor. This was when servants were given a 'Christmas Box' from their masters. It was a sign of goodwill and was the only day many would get off. Therefore, it was common place that gift giving in servants households would happen today and not on Christmas Day. Whilst we have moved ages away from this idea, the concept got me thinking. As God's chosen people, anointed by His grace, we all have a box. Given to us by our Master, but instead of it being a 'Christmas Box' in the traditional sense, it is a box of God-given gifts. Whether it be hospitality, teaching, administration or any other spiritual gift. We are all given a box with the gift that God has given us to use to further His kingdom here on earth.

In Matthew 28, we are given The Great Commission. We are called, by Jesus - our Saviour, to make disciples of all nations. Whilst this can seem daunting, actually God has already equipped us to do just that. Sometimes, we just don't see it. What we need to do as Christ's ambassadors, is to recognise 'what's in our box' and then get to work putting these gifts to use. Will you go where He wants you to be?

This boxing day, wherever you may be, just pause for a moment - what's in your box?

Reflect today: What gifts do you have? How can you use these gifts to further God's work today? Is there anything holding you back from using your gifts? What can you do to give your worries and concerns to God so you can use these gifts fruitfully?

Dear Lord,

I come to you in the 'busy'ness of this festive period and ponder on the gifts you have given me. I pray that you reveal to me those gifts and what you want me to do with those gifts so that I may be a good steward and use my 'Christmas Box' to further your mission here on earth. I know it won't always be easy, but I am sure that your strength alone will get me through. Please help me to be a faithful steward of your gift to me, today and always.

Amen