Gift of Giving
Ps 74:21
“Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace;
May the poor and needy praise your name.”
 
Prov 13:7
“One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; 
Another pretends to be poor , yet has great wealth.”
 
We were in downtown San Francisco, doing some prayer walking.   A homeless person came up behind us and zeroed in on the baby being carried by our friends.  He fell in love with that look of innocence that children emanate without effort.
 
The words of the homeless man surprised us.   He commented, “I was going to hit you folks up for some money, but instead I want to give you some money.  For the baby.”   He reached into his pocket to see what he could find to give away.
 
When was the last time a homeless beggar on a dirty downtown street offered you money?
 
It was a great moment for us, to realize that even the most poverty stricken among us have something to give.  An innocent  baby in a lowly manger is a powerful, penetrating image that cuts to the heart.       A slowed pace that looks beyond the appearance and tunes into the heart of needy people in our world might unwrap a wonderful gift.   
 
Prov 14:31
“He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
 
Prov 22:2
“Rich and poor have this in common:
The LORD is the Maker of them all.”


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