December. The last month of the year that seems to pass like a whirlwind. People are running around at break neck speed to find the perfect gift in hopes of receiving the perfect gift in return. It is also the time of year we are encouraged more than any other time to give to those less fortunate. We become explicitly aware of those who are unable to celebrate the holidays with their family, or purchase gifts to place under the tree, or may not even able to purchase a tree. The world monopolizes this time of year to promote their product/business for self gratification.
But what have we, the People of God done to encourage and bring light and hope to others during this season. Have we followed suit of the world's agenda with regard to "giving to others"? Have we misconstrued the idea of "passing it forward"? No, we may not directly receive kickbacks for our "acts of generosity", but how do we react? Do we take this opportunity to exploit the less fortunate by posting our good deeds on various facets of social media for all of our "friends" and family to see? Do churches volunteer to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, or house the homeless so they can brag on church websites and Facebook pages to show up their "brother" at another church? When did acts of generosity actually become acts of self gratification?
I am not against any of these things. We as the People of God are called to give, feed, clothe, and house. But who cares if no one else knows about it? When God robed himself in flesh and came to this world, He came as the lowliest of low, FOR the lowliest of low. There were no parades, parties, or even masses of people following to see this precious baby in a manger. So why don't we follow Jesus' example as instructed in His Word? I challenge you all to give generously this year, but without the hype of recognition. Give selflessly. Give anonymously. Share the gift of Christ's love genuinely.
♥
Hayley
