Christmas is a Time to Give

You never know what will happen and when it will happen.  Just when you think every venue for solving a problem has been exhausted, a solution pops up and brings relief.  Some of us can give testimonies to that fact; because this is what it is like to live in our North American, affluent society.  Solutions to most problems are fairly easy to come by if you are faithful to wait upon the Lord.

As a matter-of-fact, not only are solutions fairly easily found through God for most problems of life in the richer countries of the world; God has empowered us to be the solutions to problems in other parts of the world where answers cannot be easily found.  When people in Somalia, the Horn of Africa, and other poor countries of the world, look up to God and pray for help to come their way, they are in essence hoping that God can get through to the richer countries of the world (you and me) to share their wealth.

Jesus happened upon the world in an unsuspecting time and in an unsuspecting way.  It actually took some miracle-work of God to make humanity aware that something spectacular actually happened: the heavenly host of angels appeared to the shepherds; and the astronomers followed the bright and shining star to the little town of Bethlehem.  Jesus was born in a lowly stable to a carpentar and his wife - Mary and Joseph.  This surely was not headline news in the Bethlehem Gazzett.  God certainly was not looking for any type of loud applause from humanity, or he would have given his Son a more splashy entrance into the world.  It was as if God himself was being somewhat anonymous in presenting His gift to humankind.  This would allow humanity to fully embrace Jesus as a true gift from God.

Christmas is a time to give, if we follow the examples of God and Jesus.  We too, as children of God, can be unsuspecting and anonymous gifts into this world where great needs exist.  Instead of spending large amounts of money on presents for loved ones and each other that are here today and forgotten tomorrow, why not give the gift of life to someone in need.  Today over 6,000 children around the world will die unless those from wealthier countries will give a gift for them.  You too can help others to embrace God's love through your giving to their needs.

Christmas is a time to give,........"For God so loved the world that He gave His Son,.......Jesus gave His life for the whole world,.........what are you willing to give for others?

Blessings,

-Leo