Gifts (Episode 2)

Hello All,

The part of the poem that we will be emphasising on today is highlighted in blue. The black colour text in the poem is a recap of what we have already done last week.

Let us now continue with the second episode of this poem…

Gifts (Episode 2)

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling (20^th November 2014)

As Christmas draws nigh, have you pondered about gifts?

When given, the heart of the recipient they lift

'Thank you,' are the words uttered from a grateful heart

Who is quite anxious to tear the wrappings apart

Three main questions emerge in the recipient’s mind

‘Under these beautiful wrappings, what will I find?’

‘Under this covering, what am I hoping for?’

‘Would I be happy or sad with what is in store?’

When you think of ‘gifts’ in this life, what comes to mind?

‘Beyond my unrevealed future, what will I find?’

‘Beyond my circumstances, what do I hope for?’

‘Would I be happy or sad with what is in store?’

When you think of gifts, do you think of the Giver?

Or are you distracted with what life can offer?

Do you thank God for life’s gifts - the good and the bad?

Or do unfulfilled dreams leave you bitter and sad?

TO BE CONTINUED...

Points for Reflection:

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)

·         ‘Gifts’ in life come in all shapes and sizes.

·         There are ‘gifts’ which have both beautiful packaging and contents.

·         However, some ‘gifts’ have undesirable packaging and contents. We are reluctant to receive and open such ‘gifts’ which fall into our laps against our will.

·         Other ‘gifts’ may appear attractive but when opened, the contents prove to be a great disappointment. The unexpected turn in a seemingly favourable situation can at times be more difficult to accept than an anticipated misfortune.

·         There are also ‘gifts’ which may appear unattractive but when opened, the contents turn out to bring us much joy.

·         In all circumstances, God’s will for us is to be thankful to Him.

·         He uses both the good and bad gifts for our good although we may not be able to see His purpose behind the grief, heartaches and disappointments that come our way.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

(Romans 8:28 ESV)

·         What are the good and bad ‘gifts’ which God has brought into your life?

·         How have you been responding to them?

·         Are your eyes fixed on the gifts or the Giver?