“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Every year, Strasbourg, France, transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” it hosts one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, dating back to 1570. The market is filled with festive stalls offering handmade ornaments, warm mulled wine, and delicious treats. But beyond the sparkling lights and cheerful decorations, a deeper tradition continues. A section of the market is devoted to charitable organizations – offering people the chance to give not just to their loved ones, but to strangers in need. This part of the market encourages visitors to look beyond their own celebrations and embrace an essential truth: the joy of Christmas comes not from receiving, but from giving.
The core of Christmas is in the greatest gift ever given–Jesus Christ, the world’s Savior. Jesus’ entire life was an outpouring of love and generosity, showing that God’s kingdom is not built on what we can accumulate, but on how much we are willing to give. Christmas calls us to reflect this same love. But the culture surrounding Christmas can easily distract us. Advertisements encourage us to measure the success of Christmas by how many gifts we buy or receive. Jesus challenges us to take a different approach. His words in Matthew 25:40 remind us that when we give to people in need, we are actually giving to him.
Jesus teaches us that true joy comes not from consumption, but from contribution. When we encounter someone in need–like a hungry child or a lonely citizen–Jesus says that in serving them, we are really serving him. Every small act of kindness we extend to “the least of these” becomes an act of love to Jesus himself. This shifts our perspective. Giving to others isn’t just an obligation or a nice holiday tradition; it’s an opportunity to worship Jesus in a deeply personal way. The phrase “the least of these” can be uncomfortable because it brings to mind those who are often overlooked or marginalized in our society–such as the hungry, the poor, the homeless, the sick, and the imprisoned. Jesus makes it clear that these people are precious to him. He identifies with their struggles and dignifies them by saying that whatever we do for them, we do for him. So, every time we give to people in need, we are not just performing a good deed; we are encountering Jesus himself. Whether we are donating a toy to a child in need, volunteering at a shelter, or simply giving time to listen to someone struggling, these acts are sacred in God’s eyes.
This truth transforms the way we think about giving. It’s much more than just an obligation to give. When we realize that giving to other people is actually giving to Jesus, our giving becomes an act of worship. It becomes a way to honor Jesus through small yet significant acts of kindness.
Strasbourg’s Christmas market reminds us that we can include giving in every part of our Christmas traditions. As we enjoy celebrating during the Christmas season, Jesus invites us to remember those who are struggling. Each gift we give to the people who need our help brings us closer to the heart of God, the ultimate Giver.
While the world often tells us we can find fulfillment from receiving, Jesus teaches us that true fulfillment comes from giving. By helping others, we discover the deep and lasting joy that consumerism can’t provide. So, let’s celebrate God’s generous gift of Jesus on the first Christmas by focusing on giving to others.
Let’s pray:
Dear God, thank you for reminding me that when I give to those in need, I am actually giving to you. Help me see beyond the distractions and busyness of this season so I can focus on what truly matters. Open my heart to the needs of those around me, especially the ones who are often overlooked. Teach me to give generously, not out of obligation, but out of love–with the confidence that every act of kindness is a way to honor you. Forgive me for the times I’ve measured the joy of Christmas by what I receive instead of what I give. Give me compassion and shift my perspective so I can embrace your calling to love others as you have loved me. Thank you, God. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Kerkez
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Originally published Thursday, 05 December 2024.
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