The Gift That Gives (And Takes)

Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. (Genesis 37:3)

I love Christmas. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The festivities, egg nog and carols, holiday lights and yuletide spirit always conceive a spirit of hope, peace and joy within me. Of course, my language of love is “giving and receiving gifts” and so December 25 is perfectly suited for St. Nick and Rick. Do you think the old elf will ever retire? I’d love to work just one day a year, dig cookies and kids, and look pretty sharp in red.

You know, I think the patriarch Jacob was a “gift guy” too. He knew how to bestow the perfect present. His “richly ornamented robe” was the gift that kept on giving for Joseph, his beloved son. It was a robe of relationship sewn with favored fabrics of affection, attention and affirmation. When it was exactly given to Joseph we don’t know. Maybe a special birthday present. Or a gift for a sacred holiday. Or maybe it simply showed up on an average day in an ordinary box.

But some gifts also take. And this robe manufactured an odor that reeked with family discord, distaste and dysfunction. The coat was a blessing the other brothers desired but never enjoyed. It’s like one kid scoring a holiday haul in presents from the parents while the rest of the children settle for lumps of coal. Consequently, every time Joseph wore the robe it meant different things to different people. To father Jacob, it represented special affection. To Joseph, it symbolized kind blessing. To the rest of the boys, it revealed unfair favor. It’s no wonder they raged with hate and made life for Joseph a living hell.

The parent in me must confess Jacob blew it. Even if the sons aren't all saints, it doesn’t mean you love them less nor shower one kid with special gifts. Furthermore Joseph does seem the type to flaunt. He’s got no problem sharing daring dreams to bait his brothers. And jealousy doesn’t jump from one lousy coat alone. I’m sure ‘lil Joe liked pushing his bigger brothers’ buttons (that’s only human nature). He knew their feelings about him and dad. A sensitive son wouldn’t let dad’s eccentricities egg his brother’s egos.

Ultimately, this ancient family portrait reveals how one gift created blessing and burden, favor and fighting, pride and prejudice. Life is like that sometimes. Sometimes you get the robe. Sometimes you give it. And sometimes the robe gets you.

It’s how you wear it that truly determines its worth.


NOTABLE QUOTABLES GIVING:

We do not quite forgive a giver. The hand that feeds us is in some danger of being bitten. --Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is possible to give without loving, but it is impossible to love without giving. --Richard Braunstein

The fragrance always remains in the hand that gives the rose. --Heda Bejar

He who obtains has little. He who scatters has much. --Lao-Tzu

Father, it is You who knows how to give good gifts to your children. Thank you for Jesus! We pause this time of year to remember the Babe but also to ponder His Purpose. You gave and so would He. And so we’re grateful for the salvation that comes only in His Name. Amen.