Simon Lee

How to choose a perfect Christmas gift? Perhaps we could learn from Mary, who used to sit and learn at the feet of Jesus. She gave Jesus something exceptional.  Knowing the evil that would befall Christ, she

“…came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head” (Matthew 26:7)

Though Jesus had told His closest disciples repeatedly what was about to happen, none of them, took it to heart.

“…Jesus…show to His disciples…He must…suffer…and be killed…” (Matthew 16:21)

Wonder if that frustrates Jesus. The disciples who lived with the Master for 3 years just didn’t get it. Mary knew what was about to take place. She did something praiseworthy that Jesus said,

“She has poured this perfume on Me to prepare My body for burial…she will always be remembered for this deed. The story of what she has done will be told throughout the whole world…” (Matthew 26:12-13)

Do you think Jesus cherish her gift? Jesus said something more about her giving.

“She has done a beautiful thing for Me.” (Matthew 26:10)

“Beautiful” is “a term applied by the Greeks to everything so distinguished in form, excellence, goodness, usefulness, as to be pleasing; hence (according to the context) equivalent to “beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

Do you think Jesus was moved by Mary’s gift? Mary knew the heart of God.  When we know the heart of God, naturally we want to do things that touch His heart.

What can we give to God this Christmas? Perhaps a hug to our loved ones. A hearty meal for the ‘homeless’ (those who celebrate Christmas alone). Maybe it is sharing the love of God with non-believers.

Do you have a beautiful gift for Jesus?

l was very grateful and accepted the offer. I am going to have a new kidney! Initially, my parents and I were apprehensive and concerned. The donor was young and had a bright future ahead of him. Would the kidney transplant jeopardize his health and his future? Would surviving on just one kidney be an inconvenience, or even cause health problems for him?

On 29th September 2008, the donor and I were wheeled into the operating theater at the same time. I felt so vulnerable and helpless. I had to trust God to lead the surgeon’s hands, and grant him wisdom to operate on me and my donor.

The general anesthesia was administered, I closed my eyes in peace, and surrendered my life to God.

When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was the bright light of the operating theater. I was still in a semiconscious state and I could only hear voices. The donor was beside me and I realized that the surgery was over. We waited for a high dependency room to be ready. I vividly recalled when the nurse wanted to push the donor out of the operating theater, the donor said, “Let my brother go first, he needs it more than me!”

That’s how I got my new lease of life. My own brother gave his kidney to me. I was still single then. Now I have a wife and three daughters. The first two are twins. Do they look alike?

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life” John 15:13

Know of anyone who is willing to lay down his life for you?