By Sis. Joan Sabino
Bible Reading Plan
James 1:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
“Namamasko po!”—this phrase now echoes around the world. We see children wearing new clothes, going from house to house, visiting their ninong, ninang, lolo, and lola, joyfully saying, “Namamasko po.” The children receive ampao, and their mothers happily tuck it away in their bags. These are some of the most memorable scenes of every Christmas season.
But did you know that the pamasko culture is a Filipino tradition centered on generosity and giving? Yes—generosity and giving.
Last Sunday during worship, Pastor Glen Sabino emphasized the true gift of Christmas. He shared that a gift can either be accepted or rejected. Many people long for gifts during Christmas—some look for gifts that match their personality, while others are always looking for more.
In James 1:17, the verse highlights the perfect gift, whose giver is God Himself—the generous God. This gift is life and salvation. Sadly, some people ignore this gift. But I thank the Lord because I received this perfect gift and chose to accept it. Now, I serve the Lord because of it.
We in the Church are the ones who have received the perfect gift—one that nothing in this world can compare to. This gift is wrapped in God’s love, labeled with His grace, and personally handed to us.
God desires that the gift we receive be used, not kept or placed in a corner. He wants it to be used for His glory. You are the one who can develop it, and the Church is a tool where the gifts we receive from God can be nurtured and used.
In this season, be generous. Use your life for His glory.
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