What does the Lord require?

I'm slated to preach this Sunday at my field ed site. As part of my attempt to fight my procrastinating nature, I'm gathering thoughts on the lessons this morning. The lectionary for Epiphany 4 is Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Psalm 37:1-6, and Matthew 5:1-12. I can't shake this verse from In The Bleak Midwinter from my head:

What shall I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb.
If I were a wise man, I would do my part.
Yet what I can I give him, give my heart.

Out of season? Perhaps. But is self-giving really ever out of season? I hope not.