Around Christmas and the holiday season, most people get into a festive mood. “Give to someone this season!” You’ll see signs and ads—both in person and online—asking to donate money or to care this holiday season. If you Google things to do in Christmas, a lot of what you’ll find on those lists is giving to a charity organization, donating somewhere, volunteering your time, writing letters to soldiers overseas, helping out unprivileged families, and so on.
But we shouldn’t ONLY do that around Christmastime.
Think about the way Jesus lived His life here on earth. It’s clear in all the Gospels that Jesus traveled around, giving to the poor. But what He gave wasn’t anything of monetary value. Yes, sometimes, he performed miracles to provide food and help with their basic needs. But He healed them, clothed them, and most importantly, shared the Gospel message with them and taught them about God. He helped them become aware of their sins and then guided them on how to turn from their sins and turn to God instead.
We should follow His example.
Now, donating, volunteering, and giving money is wonderful. So is caring for orphans, homeless, and writing letters to soldiers. But we shouldn’t only do that around Christmastime. Think about how much better the world would be if we acted like every day was Christmas.
But more than those things, the most important thing we can give is our time. Go into the nursing home and don’t just sing carols. Sit with an older person you know and give them a chance to just have company for a while. With COVID, visiting nursing homes isn’t very possible at the moment, so maybe call an older person you know. Visit with your neighbor. Take a Bible and go read it to someone who doesn’t have one. Teach others about God and give them your time.
That’s the most important thing you can give them.
Don’t just act caring and loving and giving during the holiday season. Do it year-round and play your part in making the world—especially the world we live in today—a better place for everyone.
