When You Have the Time

by John Piper

            I realize that you are busy during this time of the year, but I was hoping you could give me a moment.  It always amazes me, the way you choose to celebrate my “first birth.”  Of course, it’s nice to be remembered, even if done so in such a way.  My “second birth,” when I rose from the tomb has always seemed to be the more important anniversary, but you have ways of celebrating that observance, as well.  Anyway, I wanted to focus on this particular busy time that you call Christmas.  My Church actually has established this time to be Advent, which is a penitential preparation time.  And though you often refer to this as the “Christmas season,” I do see you spending a lot of time and energy on preparation for the holidays.  By the way, did you know that the word “holiday” is derived from a time when celebrations were all special days of the church calendar referred to as Holy Days?  Noting the ways these are often now observed, I can see why a new, lower cased term was coined.

But at this time of the year, I am hoping that you could focus more clearly on what our relationship is all about.  After all, my reason in coming to you was for much more than parties, decorations and new purchases.  But since you have this tradition of giving gifts at this time of the year, I wonder if you could include me on your “Christmas list?”  Actually, the giving you engage in does make me smile; seeing that you recall my statement that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”  And the sharing and love of the season that I sometimes discern through all the hustle & bustle, also brings me joy.  But, perhaps you could give something else, as well.

            I’ve noticed that even though a fair number of my children are on the membership rolls of the congregation, only a few of you find time to regularly attend worship services and feasting at my table.  Though you seem to always find ways to fund your holiday plans, my Church gets offered what is left over, if anything at all.  So, a special gift to me would be to see you worshipping regularly in my house and setting aside your first fruits in my name.  And that is really only the beginning.  You see, the Word (which you call the Bible) is better understood when it is studied intentionally, and when two or more of you are engaged in that study.  So, another gift that I could really use is for you to regularly attend Sunday church school and Bible studies.  I wouldn’t want you to miss the lessons and messages that I have made my life’s work to lay out for you.  Of course, being involved in your community and letting me serve your brothers and sisters through you would be another treasured gift.  And really it wouldn’t cause you much trouble, because when you let me in, I promise to take on the responsibility and do the really hard work.  I think I’ve shown my seriousness on this subject by my actions in the past.  And if you’ve forgotten, they are spelled out in the Word.

            Well maybe this and my other gift suggestions can be worked into your busy plans….when you have the time.