“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows”—James 1:17
Women seem to take the lead in loving everything Christmas. From watching non-stop Christmas movies 24/7 on TV to shopping the day after looking for next year’s gifts at a bargain, to keeping it in mind all year long when shopping.
It’s good too, because most of us find ourselves more giving, generous, and focused on others during the holiday season. As Christians, we understand the desire to give to others at Christmas time, based on God giving us His perfect gift of Jesus. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
So because many of us do thrive on the holiday mindset, why not integrate it into our lives in an ongoing manner all year long?
It Starts at Home
For decades, across the U.S.A. and back again, my husband has been making me a cup of cappuccino each morning. Recently, he’s been making me an extra cup in case I want it later in the day.
However, I found it’s become more than just an extra cup of Joe for me, but a welcome cup of coffee for unexpected guests. I’ve witnessed their eyes light up, when I offer my extra cup to them.
Although coffee and not water, it reminds me of Mark 9:41, where Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in My name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.”
It’s such a simple act, too, but when we think of the draw a cup of coffee has on people, all we have to do is drive by a coffee place to see the cars lined up around the building in line to buy a cup. It has such a broad appeal that individuals will spend countless hours, dollars, and effort hunting down a place where they can purchase a cup.
For families not into brewing their coffee, an extra dinner plate set on the table or a sandwich pre-made could also serve as a welcoming offer for unexpected guests.
Generosity That Keeps on Going
During Christmas, it appears many people are more willing to be generous, to see and recognize others in need, and to reach out to actively help them. Whether donating time or resources, Christmas seems to bring out the best in many individuals.
Like Luke wrote in Acts 20:35, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
We can mindfully keep this kind of attitude before us all year long, where instead of turning it on and off during the holidays, we don’t wait until our emotions are spurred by Christmas lights and music, to extend generosity to those around us.
Likewise, Jesus urged, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).
Practicing Generosity All Year Long
Gift-giving doesn’t have to begin and end with the holidays. All year long, God encourages us to be generous to others. “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11).
As well, like with everything God directs us to do, practicing generosity benefits us. Proverbs 11:25 explains how being generous blesses our lives. “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Let’s Pray:
Dear Father,
Thank You for Your good and perfect Christmas gift of Jesus. Because of Your generous gift to us, we too, can be generous. Help us to give to others during the holidays and all year long, encouraged by remembering Your perfect gift to us. Lead us in ways to give that soften hearts and encourage others to praise and thank you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Photo Credit: ©Chad Madden/Unsplash
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
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Originally published Tuesday, 19 December 2023.
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