Giving of Yourself During Christmas
As another Christmas draws near we find ourselves busy with gift buying and various celebrations with family and friends to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus.
At this busy time let us also take time to count the many blessings in our lives. They may be small or large but still blessings. Even though we should take time to be thankful for all the blessings in our lives it should really be at the forefront during the Christmas season.
When we take time to reflect upon our own blessings it makes us want to share our good favor with others.
Stop to think what a blessing it is to have family with which to share the joy of the Christmas season.
Perhaps if you stop to look around you may find that there is someone in your neighborhood or where you work that has no family at all or just nearby and will otherwise be alone this Christmas. You might choose to invite them to dinner at your home or to just go shopping with you for your family gifts.
Perhaps there is an elderly person in your neighborhood that really doesn't feel like putting up their Christmas decorations but would love to have their home decorated. Perhaps you and your children could take a few hours and take care of that little task for them. Don't forget that you will need to go back and take them down after Christmas.
Don't be so busy that you don't notice that someone around you is feeling down about something in their life. Give them something as simple as a smile. It can do wonders for those who need it.
Some people are too proud to take all the government freebies or they don't really qualify for help based on the guidelines but still really don't have enough to get by because of some problems in their life. Try to be observant and help with food or toys for these people. You can even make them an anonymous gift box dropped off at their door.
Giving might just be to provide a warm home to a small animal that is cold, hungry and miserable out in the elements with no one to love or care for them. After all they too are God's creatures.
Thoughtful giving and caring can make a big difference in this world today. It may not solve all the world's problems but each offering of kindness helps bring true love and peace to a world so badly in need of these actions and feelings.
If you have children allow them to participate in some of your acts of kindness so that they will learn that not only does Saint Nick bring them toys but he uses his helpers to spread the best and most important gifts which are those small acts that come from the heart from one human being to another.
Our nightly news seems to always be filled with sad and evil news and events. But, in real life acts of goodness overcome evil and goodness truly does make up the majority of the people on this earth.
As the three wise men were guided by the Star of Bethlehem let us use the light that shines within each of us to guide our hearts to do special good deeds to make someone else feel special and cared for during this Christmas season. Don't be so busy with material gift giving that we turn away or overlook someone or something that may be in need of your help. The power of a kind act can turn wrong into right and often save a soul much misery.
These special kinds of gift giving also does wonders for the giver because you will feel the warmth and love of Jesus who is watching over you always.
May each of you have a very blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. |
