Giving

Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." II Corinthians 8:13-15 written by Paul and Timothy 

Just as Paul writes to the church at Corinth, we to are held to these teachings. At this time of year in particular, I am filled with joy and love and celebration of the Christmas season. My heart also feels convicted to do more for others...Maybe even shame, that I have been blessed with so much and there are so many in this world with nothing. There are many right here, without enough food to eat, no place to call home, with no family to visit, with so many hardships that they have lost hope.

This year my family has done away with adult gift giving. Instead, we pooled the money we would have spent on each other and anonymously gifted someone in great need. The recipient was brought to tears on several occasions while telling the story, but the real impact was in our hearts. This is what Christmas and giving are all about. We will be forever changed and now have a new giving tradition. 

Prayer: Gracious and giving Father, may we realize all you have given us; and may we share and bless others who are less fortunate. May we remember that all we have is truly yours and use our blessings to glorify you. Amen.

Shirlette Hershiser, from the 2013 Advent Devotional