We're only one week away from celebrating the birth of our Lord, and the Christmas spirit is everywhere! I truly enjoy this time of year and the overall spirit of Christmas. I enjoy the decorations, the joy, the Christmas tree, the get-togethers, and the love. I also like Santa Claus, festive movies, and Christmas carols. But my favorite part of Christmas is the giving spirit that is evident everywhere, from the beautifully wrapped presents under the tree to the coins dropped in the Salvation Army bucket to the volunteers serving holidays meals. It's a time when many are in a giving mood.
But let's be honest about this time of year - there's also the hustle & bustle, the desire to keep up with others, the pressure to decorate & cook & attend events & make gifts & send cards & host all the family for a big meal. The list can go on and on . . . and sometimes we lose some of that giving Christmas spirit among the list of things we must do or should do or have to do or simply do because it's expected of us whether we enjoy it or not. It's during these hectic times that we need to return to the Reason for the Season and remember the Greatest Gift of All given to us by a Heavenly Father.
But let's be honest about this time of year - there's also the hustle & bustle, the desire to keep up with others, the pressure to decorate & cook & attend events & make gifts & send cards & host all the family for a big meal. The list can go on and on . . . and sometimes we lose some of that giving Christmas spirit among the list of things we must do or should do or have to do or simply do because it's expected of us whether we enjoy it or not. It's during these hectic times that we need to return to the Reason for the Season and remember the Greatest Gift of All given to us by a Heavenly Father.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ~John 3:16
God gave us the ultimate gift in His Son Jesus Christ. Let that fact fill you with joy during this season! God gave out of love, so let's remember to also give with love . . . and good cheer.
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. ~2 Corinthians 9:7
There are many (many!) scriptures on giving throughout the Bible. This one in Luke is a great reminder that God honors and blesses those who give.
As we speed toward the end of the year, I pray that you will be truly blessed as you cheerfully give this Christmas season!
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. ~Luke 6:38
As we speed toward the end of the year, I pray that you will be truly blessed as you cheerfully give this Christmas season!
Yes a joyful heart in sharing our blessings. I have two favourite charities we give to all year but more so at Christmas time.
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