December 13 - Share

One of the earliest memories that I have of my mother’s teachings was that of what it meant to “share” with my sister. I have come to believe that we enter this world with an innate desire to share. However, over time that is affected by the world around us and we soon feel the need to hold on to that which we have; that, there is simply not enough to go around and share.

The holy season of Advent with the expectation of Christmas reminds us that more than two thousand years ago, God in God’s great generosity chose to share his Son with the world so that all of humanity might have the opportunity for forgiveness and the gift of eternal life.

The teaching of my mother about sharing seemed to stick and take hold of me at a very young age. My mentors and heroes in life were those who gave selflessly of themselves, and especially to those in need. The good news is that when we share our possessions and very beings with others, the love of Jesus is proclaimed, and we are that much closer to the kingdom of God. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s persistent and most urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”  This Advent, may we come closer to the intentions of God as we more fully share of ourselves, do for others, and share the Good News of God in Christ Jesus.

—The Reverend Canon Philip Linder serves as Canon to the Ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina.