The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” When he told them to give one of their two cloaks to someone who had none, they probably decided not to ask him any more questions because “He may tell us that if we see two people without cloaks we should give them both of our cloaks, and trust that the Lord God will supply our needs.” John was challenging them, and us, to acknowledge that everything we are and have was created by God and belongs to God, who intends for us to use it and enjoy it for ourselves and for others. John understood gratitude to God is the heart of generosity to others. In God’s magnificent plan we can become the vehicle that He uses to give to others. We give to others by the giving of ourselves. One of our most precious gifts from God is our time. Whatever our length of days, how we choose to use our home for ourselves and others is our gift to God. It is a gift we can give to Jesus in celebration of His birthday.
