Secrets

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Matthew 6:3-4 (NIV)

Shhh! Christmas is a time for secrets!

We sneak in the back door with a bag full of gifts, hoping no one in the household catches us. We tuck presents under beds, in closets, in attics and in the trunks of cars. Later, when we are sure that no one is around, we take the presents out of hiding and wrap them, hoping the recipients won’t know what is inside the pretty packages. Then, we await the expression on their faces when the gifts are unwrapped on Christmas day. Secrets are a fun part of Christmas!

Martha stopped by her coworker Beth's desk to talk about Christmas gifts.

“Have you finished your shopping?” Martha asked.

“I’m about half way,” Beth said.  “And you?”

Martha proudly blurted, "We don't give gifts to each other in our family. Instead we buy chickens, water buffalos and water filters for people in Asia.  Also, we serve food at the homeless shelter on Christmas Day, and we give a huge donation to several ministries."

“That’s very generous of you,” Beth said.

“It’s what we do,” Martha said, head high.

Shhhh! Christmas is a time for secrets!

So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:2 (NIV)

Father, help me to remember that what I give is our special secret. I do not need the praise or acknowledgement of men. I desire only to please You. Amen.

© 2012 Nance