Everyone seems to be a little more generous this time of year. Along with the holiday shopping, people are busy “doing good,” showing compassion, and caring for others. We, as Christians, have the ultimate example of compassion, care, and sacrifice from the life of Christ. And yet, every year I struggle with the juxtaposition of holiday materialism with Christmas generosity, longing to lead my family to give as Christ gives...in ways that are significant and not trite, personal and not commercial, valuable to the soul and the body. How might we contrast the good we do during the Christmas season, with the good we see in the world. Is there a difference? Should there be? Do you notice some of these differences...

The World Doing Good (What it Often Is)

giving from excess
focusing on the earthly
the gift is a provision of material things
passing on warmth and love from another human being
sometimes motivated out of guilt
sometimes motivated by self-prescribed righteousness
convenient opportunities
following example of humanitarians
hope for change rests with people

Christians Doing Good (What it Ought to Be)

sacrificial giving
focusing on the spiritual
the gift is a provision of material things and what is needed MOST: Redemption through Christ
passing on warmth and love from another human being as a conduit of true love from a Savior
motivated out of freedom from self-centeredness
spurred on by righteousness of Christ, not our own
costly in both time and resources
following example of Christ
hope for change rests with God, not our efforts

As I examine my own life, and my family’s practices during this holiday season, I’m convicted of the ways in which we don’t always give with Christ as our example:

I don't see Jesus giving what was leftover after he had his fill.

I don't see Jesus indulging and giving others opportunities to indulge along with him.

I don't see Jesus sharing a meal without sharing himself.

I don't see Jesus magnifying earthly treasures above heavenly ones.

I don't see Jesus rationing His generosity; I see Him giving His ALL.

Does that strike a chord with you as it does me?

Friends, my goal is not to burden us with guilt or inadequacy this Christmas season; instead, my hope is that we might see all that we have in Christ and through His example, and be FREED to share generously, serve unreservedly, and give of ourselves unabashedly.

Giving and sharing both physically and spiritually, as we see in our Savior, was not an afterthought or convenient propaganda for His agenda here on earth. It was His agenda. It was what He was born to do that Christmas day, and what He accomplished fully on the cross.

May we give good gifts of Truth, blessing, and treasure in Christ this Christmas! His storehouses never run dry.

Grace and peace to you,

Ruth Simons, www.gracelaced.com