Jazz @ Emmanuel – December 14, 2025 – What Are Your Gifts?

This month, Jazz @ Emmanuel asks, “What are your Gifts?”

Jazz Meditations performed by:
Dr “J.” on Piano, Chris McGraw on bass, Lou Schreiber on Reeds, James III on drums, and Pamela Johnson, Vocals. 

Join us for this Christmas Jazz Celebration!

The Gift of Jazz

Have you ever thought of these readings we do at Jazz @ Emmanuel, as well as the Jazz selections by our band, and all the people who make Jazz @ Emmanuel possible, as “offerings” or “gifts” from these folks? They are giving of themselves in the same way as when we give from our finances or our expertise or a kind gesture or a helping hand, or a word of encouragement. Whenever we give of ourselves, as in love, there is always at least a little vulnerability involved. How will the other receive our gift? What will they do with it? What will they think of me? Did I do the right thing, the needed thing? The more generous we are, the more vulnerable we may feel. Yet, give we must!

And it matters how we give. We want to give in the same measure we hope to get — “pressed down and shaken together,” not just “half-hearted”, but fully, generously! We may need to work up to this level of love! We may sometimes feel generous and other times not-so-much. But the more we PRACTICE Generosity, the more generous we become, just like anything. And the more joy we have in giving. The more we learn to give generously, the more we understand and trust God’s generous love also!

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, (and pets!) how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”  Matthew 7:11

Giving Generously

When we ask ourselves the question, “what are our gifts?”, the answer may come more easily if we consider where it is easy for us to be generous? Or, where and what we look forward to giving or are willing to sacrifice to give? Whether it is generosity of heart, generosity in our soul, generosity using our strength, or generosity using our mind, all are ways of using our gifts. For the most part, this is likely to be a new way of thinking about both giving and generosity. Where do I feel the desire to give today? How DO I give to God or my neighbor with my mind, for example? How do I do that generously? So much to ponder! And, we contend, this is exactly what the Season of Advent is for – setting aside a time to ponder the weightier questions of life in community in order to grow in both using our gifts, and being generous. What a way to celebrate Christmas!

Practicing Generosity

Our Advent Study this year at Emmanuel, is another from the Living Compass Wellness series, which invites us to Love God and others by Practicing Generosity. The challenge is to practice generosity with ALL of our selves – not just our “hearts.” The study for 2025 is titled, “Practicing GENEROSITY With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind. By looking at a particular character focus, in this case, Generosity, we learn more about how being Generous is a way of loving God and our neighbors. Consequently, this leads to more wellness in ourselves and in the world around us.

All love takes practice! We are all here to practice together, to learn from each other, and become more like God in Generosity. Join us in Practicing Generosity with All Our Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind.
We invite you to pick up a free study booklet in the back of the church. OR, participate in a number of ways online.
Read our post on how you can participate in this Advent Study on Generosity!

Jazz @ Emmanuel
Emmanuel’s Gift of Love to You.
Merry Christmas!

2nd Sunday
September through May
5:00 PM in the Sanctuary.

Jazz @ Emmanuel is supported in part by Jazz Enthusiasts and Worshippers like YOU and WRCT 88.3 FM.
Thank you for your generous donations. 🙏🏻

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Orange cards are available in the back of the church with the Jazz themes and dates for the Season.

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God...Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! ” II Corinthians 9:10-15