Giving

Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values.
– Thomas S. Monson (from Brainy Quote)

Christmas is much more than just giving of course. It is a celebration of the greatest gift humankind has ever received – Jesus coming to earth! But giving to others is certainly an important part of this celebration. And that is great – giving reflects something of God’s love for us, working through us.

Matthew 5:16 (WEBBE): ¹⁶Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

So what about the rest of the year?

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (WEBBE): ¹⁷Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be arrogant, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; ¹⁸that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share; ¹⁹laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.

Galatians 6:7-10 (WEBBE): ⁷Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. ⁸For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. ⁹Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. ¹⁰So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good towards all men, and especially towards those who are of the household of the faith.

If we really trust that God will always provide for us, then there is no reason to stop giving the moment Christmas is over. Then there is no reason to tightly hold onto every sent.

How are you going to make a difference next year?