The Spirit of Giving

So it's Christmas time once again. Which means the traffic is horrendous, the malls are crazy and retail workers are looking a little more haggard.

Last year, after moving into our new home, Jon and I decided not to get each other any presents, and to just get the kids mostly what they needed and a few things they wanted. We wanted to focus more on what Christmas is really about, rather than presents and material things.

I had fun spending about a hundred dollars on the Samaritan's Purse Catalogue, giving money for kids in third world countries. It was a great feeling to be able to do that, but at the same time, my joy was somewhat missing last year. I felt more like a Scrooge than a Bob Cratchet.

When it came to Christmas Day last year, and our kids's began to open their gifts, they wondered why we weren't opening any. We kind of laughed it off, saying we had gotten on the naughty list, but I could tell that us not receiving a present, bothered them.

So this year we decided we were going to give each other presents, more for our kids' sake than ours. And I've gotta say, I feel the Spirit of Christmas in my heart more this season than ever before.

I have had so much fun going out and searching for that "just right" gift for the kids and my husband. As I bought the gifts that I just know will light up their faces Christmas morning, the child like sparkle returned to my eyes and my heart. To be able to give, especially in this economy, and when our funds are a little tighter, is such a blessing.

I know Christmas is not about the material gifts and the beautifully decorated trees and Santa Claus, it's about the gift of giving and The One who came to give it all.

When we give, with a joyful heart, it not only is a blessing to those who are receiving, but to us as well.

I think God the Father had that same child-like sparkle in His eyes just before Jesus was to be born. I can just envision Him turning to the angels, and saying with excitement, "I can't wait for them to meet my Son. I can't wait for them to see and know Him and learn all about My love from Him."

I wonder if the three wise men, those earthly kings, had a hard time picking out those perfect gifts they wanted to give to the King of Kings, to honor him. I know they were blessed in their giving. I know they walked away from that stable as forever changed men.

So hopefully this Christmas, you'll all want to be a cheerful giver too. It doesn't take a lot of money. In fact you don't have to spend a dime, to give a special gift to someone. It can be a lunch bag with basic necessities included, given to the man or woman standing on the corner. Some blankets and coats to the mission, or maybe your gift of hospitality and loving hands serving dinner to those who will have nowhere to go for a wonderful homecooked Christmas dinner.

As you go forth into the great battle of the shopping mall crowds, hold these words in your heart:

"But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us, see that you also excel in this grace of giving." 2 Corinthians 8:7

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make Grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

"A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great." Proverbs 18:16

I hope you all have a very MERRY Christmas and I hope you approach this Christmas season with a child-like look of wonder on your faces. May each of you be blessed in the Spirit of Giving, and may Jesus reign in your hearts and the gift of His Holy Spirit be upon you and fill you. May He keep each of you safe, warm and healthy and bring cheer and joy to your hearts as you welcome in the New Year.

Love in Christ Jesus,
Alyssa