"What did you get for Christmas?"This is the big question following December 25th when the children go back to school and the adults go back to their "normal" lives.Well, clearly the answer should be, "My Savior!"  But let's face it, the answer is usually more like "an iPod" or "a Kindle" (that is what I got:-) or "a video game, a sweater, a bike".  You get the idea.And while the odds are slim that I would actually answer "My Savior", I know that Jesus is the true gift of Christmas."What did you give for Christmas?" That is seldom asked, but it is a question I would hope that we would ask ourselves.  Yes, I mean on that day...on Christmas day...what did you give to your loved ones?  But I would like to expand that question.  What do we give daily and annually in response to the gift of a Savior?We are called to be givers by the nature of our faith.  Because "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48) And we have been given so much, not the least of which is the gift of Jesus Christ and the assurance of forgiveness and eternal life.  Wow!  How can we respond to that????How are you responding by using your Time, Talent, and Treasure?  I would love to have you respond to that question on this blog!  Desribe the blessing you receive when you serve in these ways.  Perhaps your "post" will give others encouragement and courage to follow your lead and example.  Maybe someone will speak to you personally about getting involved in a similar way.Do you visit the shut-ins?  Do you contribute to a charity in some way?  Do you participate in a small group?  Do you volunteer as a tutor?  Do you attend worship regularly?  Do you drive an elderly person to doctor's appointments? Do you assist with the Food Bank?  And so on, and so on!  Let's share the many ways we here at SHLC are blessed by serving the Lord!  Please do not be shy.We have many generous financial contributors at Somerset Hills Lutheran church.  We are so thankful for that.  The money that has been given to our various mission projects is wonderful  What a blessing for us that we are able to reach people in Plainfield, Papua New Guinea, Guinea West Africa, and India through our mission efforts.  What a blessing to be able to spread the Gospel in these ways.  And of course, your offerings go to support the staff and our beautiful church building, which are also key to our calling.  Are you doing your part monetarily to support the work of our church?As we enter the New Year, I would challenge you to ask yourself, "How am I responding to the gift of Jesus Christ?"  and...."How am I responding to  the command, 'Go then and make disciples of all nations.'? "(Matthew 28:19)