What are You Giving for Christmas?
Christmas is a time where many people make an effort to celebrate time together with family and friends. It is often promoted as a time of good cheer and receiving gifts. This is not everyone’s experience.
Christmas can be a time of traumatic memories and sadness for some. Families struggling with illness, loss, finances, or a any number of other challenges may not feel the “Christmas spirit” that so many of us seek.
They might need to know that they are not alone. They could need to know that the grief or whatever it is that they are going through probably won’t be permanent. Time doesn’t necessarily heal all wounds. But a simple connection with others could help someone you know get through the challenges of Christmas.
Why not reach out to someone who’s alone this Christmas and make a connection? Instead of spending huge amounts of money on yourself, why not cut back a bit and have the family join you in giving to someone in need?
Sure, celebrate the Christmas season. Give gifts to your family, eat, sing, and be together. I’m challenging you to go beyond that just a bit like someone I met did.
I remember one year someone phoned me and asked me if there was someone I knew of who was in need of anything for Christmas. He went on to explain that his family celebrated Christmas by giving to those in need in our community more than themselves. His family bought a bed for an individual I suggested.
I was moved by this act of kindness and giving and began to adopt this Christmas tradition. The joy of giving to those who are alone and struggling far outweighs having gifts piled under a tree for me. It might just encourage someone else who’s having a hard Christmas.
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
Philip Robe-From