How to Observe Advent through Giving

 

Proverbs 19:17

One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed.

1 John 3:17

But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?

 

As a teen,  I found inspiration in the Band Aid movement to help those less fortunate during the Christmas season. Each year since, I love to find ways to make difference.

We really do have the power to make a difference in our world and not just at Christmas time, but year round. Click To Tweet

My husband personified this message for my family one year. We visited a local hospital. He gave me $50 and my daughter $50.  His instructions simple: give to someone who looks like they really need a blessing.

A little boy walked by me, holding the hands of his father. Not knowing, why they were there, I approached the little boy.

I extended my hand with the fifty dollar bill and simple said, “Merry Christmas.”

He smiled and looked at his father who nodded his permission. The little boy took the bill.

“God bless you,” the father told me.

I felt a warmth seep through me as the little boy continued down the hallway.

Simple sharing and blessing at Christmas time made the season real in my heart.

Even beyond giving to those in need. We have a powerful message that we can share.

God’s love is real, and we can join in together to make a difference; spread His Holy Gospel. Spread His hope. Did you know that the Bible reflects charity as a  central message?

Faith without works is dead and so many verses in the Bible instruct us to help the poor and needy. Click To Tweet

This Christmas, many ways exists to fulfill this very important facet of your faith walk.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Check with your local social services department and give to Angel Tree projects for orphaned and foster children.
• Join a food drive at a local grocery story.
• Work with your local church to help a needy family.
• Give a toy to Toys for Tots or other toy drives in your community.
• Create your own giving program and encourage others around you to join you.

Simply giving to others really exemplifies the true meaning of Christmas. Click To Tweet

Christ came into this world and brought hope, joy, and love.  He came to heal the hurting and give hope to the needy.

You can become Christ's instrument in giving this Christmas. Click To Tweet

What ideas can you share about giving during this Christmas season? Feel free to comment below.

####Note of Credit: Photo by Ben White on Unsplash ###

 

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