Jack’s Winning Words 12/26/14
“Ye who will bless the poor  Shall yourself find blessing.”  (Good King Wenceslas)  John Mason Neale wrote the story-carol about a sympathetic king who went out in bitter winter weather to give food and fuel to the poor.  The song says that it was on the day after Christmas.  So, Dec 26, has become the traditional day for giving gifts to the needy.  Today’s WWs are the final line of the carol, explaining how giving can be a “win-win” experience.    ;-)  Jack

   FROM MICHIZONA RAY:  I think the adage is true, that it is better to give than to receive; for it seems that even in the act of generosity, what one receives from the giving far outweighs the service! ====JACK:  It's interesting that Paul (in the Book of Acts) gives credit to Jesus for these words, even though there's no record that he said them.  Of course, it's obvious that the Bible does not contain "all" of the words of Jesus.  (John 20:25)

FROM RI IN BOSTON:  "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)====JACK:  At what age do you suppose that lesson is learned...if ever?

FROM TARMART REV:  It truly is a "win-win" experience!!====JACK:  I suppose you see it during your Christmas Give-a-away Project, when people give you money to distribute and when the needy people receive the gifts.  Both the givers and the givees  are winners...and you are, too.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  To whom much is given, much is required...not "expected", REQUIRED!  How fortunate we are to be the givers, such a blessing. But we must also be gracious receivers,  even when the giver gives out of his/her poverty. That is sometimes hard!  Wonderful Christmas Family Celebration at the Oaks' house, including birthday cake for 'Baby; Jesus".  Our 4 yr. old blew out the candle! :-) And sang Happy Birthday.lustily!!   (Who doesn't like a birthday where YOU get the presents??!)   But she also cleaned out her older toys in very good condition, and contributed them to the Toy drive.....====JACK:  I wonder if they ever celebrated birthdays in Biblical times?  I wonder if Jesus ever had a birthday party? 

FROM FM IN WISCONSIN:  I heard a fellow this week on WTMJ – he shared about being helped with food and clothes right before Christmas a few years ago – for which he was very thankful, but he admitted that at that time, there was also some misgivings too about being the receiver.  He added, that it is not so easy to receive – things have changed dramatically in the last few years and now he is not on the receiving end, but the giving side, and he added it is so much easier to be the giver than the recipient.   So let us be givers, whatever, we can give, and experience the joy of giving.====JACK:  I've found that in my pastoral role, it's comfortable being the giver....but I feel ill at ease, being on the receiving end.  But...not always.

FROM WATERFORD JAN:  Coincidentally, today I received a solicitation from Lutheran Social Services of Michigan with a headline from Proverbs 21:13--"If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered."  I have received multiple solicitations during the past month, from various religious organizations, universities, agencies for children, needs for the homeless and hungry, etc.  I can help all with a few dollars, or help some with more substantial donations--my usual habit.  I wonder which method truly helps the most.====JACK:  There are so many needs, but the reality is that one individual can't meet them all.  In our house, we pick and choose by making a list, checking it twice...and allocating charity dollars.  LSSM is on the list, because we think that it does a good job with the funding that it gets.