The Christmas Coat

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ

—Ephesians 4:11-12

I spotted it when pulling my winter clothes from my cedar chest—the minuscule red coat trimmed in white.  Would this fit Layla? I wondered, as I examined the aged garment I wore when I was six months old.

I knew I had to try.

I placed the freshly-laundered cloak on the bed and then my squirmy six month-old granddaughter on top. With no more than a slight struggle, I maneuvered her chubby arms into the sleeves and crowned her with the rosy hood, its fuzzy white edging encircling her cherubic face like a halo. I tightened the hood strings and lifted her up for the final reveal.

The hand-me-down Christmas coat was a picture-perfect fit!

I love hand-me-downs—and don’t mind wearing them.  I remember, as a kid, sporting hand-me-downs from my older cousins and thinking I was “cool” just like them. And then there was my mother’s wedding dress. It too was a perfect fit.  Hand-me-downs saved me money, yes. But it was more than that.  Wearing them meant wearing a part of the giver.

I know some folks won’t wear hand-me-downs, but there are times when hand-me-downs are in order. I recall the Old Testament story of a hand-me-down coat called a mantle, which was a garment of distinction worn by kings and prophets. This particular prophet Elijah led a school of prophets, and one of his pupils was Elisha. But their relationship went beyond teacher-student. Elijah was Elisha’s mentor, and Elisha was his attendant.  In confirmation of Elisha’s gift of ministry, “Elijah passed by him [Elisha] and threw his mantle on him” (1 Kings 19:19).

Recognize and Mentor
As Elijah recognized Elisha’s gift and mentored him in that direction, we are called to do the same.  Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” This verse is widely considered an admonition to parents about child-rearing.  But I think it’s important to note the article “a.”  Train up a child.  Your child, someone else’s child, or any child of God.  Also important is "the way he should go." When we spot a gift, whether a natural talent or a gift of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12), we should encourage in that direction—and provide formal training when necessary.

Hand Down Your Faith

Another parenting admonition comes from Deuteronomy 11:19: “You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”  Talk it out as you walk it out.  Explain why you take certain paths—how your values impact your decisions.

Wear Your Christmas Coat

Every believer has received a gift(s)—and a calling. It is only because of Jesus that we have received our gift—that we may “use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).  When Elijah left this earth, Elisha took his place in ministry. When Jesus left the earth, He instructed His followers to carry out His work. He has thrown His mantle upon us, and it is a perfect fit.  He has gifted us for His calling. This Christmas let us use these gifts to glorify Him.  If our gift is singing, let us sing.  If it is teaching, let us teach. “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11). Sing Christmas carols. Teach your children the true Christmas story.  Speak about it as you walk through the shopping mall, as you wrap presents, and bake cookies. 

Pull Your Coat From Storage
Perhaps you haven’t used your gift in a while. Perhaps you've questioned your gift and your calling.  Let me encourage you. “God’s gracious gifts and calling are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). If your once fiery passion has died down to embers, l exhort you to fan it into flame (2 Timothy 1:6).  Dust off that piano and play once again. Volunteer to teach that class. Wear the garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3). Wear your mantle, and wear it well.

Now I’m not a linguist, but I don’t think it’s a coincidence that a mantle crowns a fireplace.  Take up your mantle. And may your fire burn brightly for Him, so others will want your hand-me-downs.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your gifts.  May I use them to glorify You and to mentor others.  And may my hand-me-downs be worthy of wearing. Amen.