The Gifts We May Bring

What can I bring Him – poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a Lamb,
If I were a wise-man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I bring Him – bring my heart.

Each person, family, clan or caste, people-group (ethne), tongue and tribe brings something unique in coming to worship, surrender, bow down and serve. It may be unique for the time, setting and occasion; it may be representative of some aspect of that person or people’s nature, culture, uniqueness, past, present, or future opportunity or challenge.

The Book of Revelation ultimately depicts the final and eternal gathering of all the people of the earth in ways that continue their uniqueness, including perhaps (as at Pentecost) still distinguishing characteristics of language, culture, creative-contributions and gifts. God is not colour blind; the Kingdom of God is not a homogenizer that smooths away culture, language, differences and distinctions. God does not make the new Flower Garden (to speak metaphorically) one big, same-coloured Flower, nor the new Orchestra one huge, shiny brass instrument (or where would the strings and woodwinds be?).

The Christmas Story makes possible a new beginning for all kinds of people from all cultures and places of the earth to bring their gifts - as symbols of worship, obeisance, adoration, useful service and complex, creative wonder - to the newborn King.

What can I bring Him? . . .