Offerings
There can never be a gift or present we could bestow to God Who is opulent, for all the marvelous work He endowed to the world. The Almighty Lord has created the heavens, the earth and all the gracious creatures in it. The entire universe is under His governance and thus seek no reward from any of His creatures. Yet in expressing gratitude, praise, prayer and love to Him, He wills to accept present from us.
God loves a giver who is happy to offer. The Apostle Saint Paul teaches us to let ‘each one gives as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver’. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
The first reference to an offering to God is in scripted in the Book of Genesis. “Now the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, ‘I have gotten a man child with the help of the Lord.’ Again, she gave birth to his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. So it came about in the course of time (literally, at the end of days) that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regarded for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up (literally, surely you will be accepted)? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.’ Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.” (Genesis 4:1-8) These kinds of offerings were given in the Old Testament.
But then fortune to us, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ had become the sacrifice of New Testament, the real sheep Who is crucified upon the cross, broke His Flesh and poured His Blood for our salvation. And thus, scarification of animals is no more accepted but only offerings in kinds.
These offerings may vary accord our love of God, awareness and finical capacity. Usually people offer incense, Tewaf (rather thin type of candle made of beeswax), oil, raisin, candle, umbrella and other kinds. The present we offer to the Church are expressions of love, devotion, veneration and obedience to the Lord Who sacrificed His life upon the cross for the eternity of us. The offerings are presented at the Church especially on feast days as well as weekdays.
Holy Church which is the house of God, then utilizes the offerings for the ministry and services of prayer, (Tsolete Kidane, Kidase /the Divine Liturgy/), commemoration and celebration of feasts of Holy Trinity, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s major and other feasts, Holy Mother Saint Virgin Mary’s, Angle’s and Saint’s feasts in presenting psalms, hymns and other spiritual songs. These Christians endeavors are expected from any of us who are children of God.
May the Lord accepts our offerings; Amen!