Angels of Secret Generosity, the meaning of Christmas

Friday, December 23, 2011

Photo: Tigner J.

When man gives from the heart, and not grudgingly God will make all grace and blessings abound toward them. 2 Cor. 9: 7-8

Christmas is a picturesque season of happiness, good cheer to all men and women. It is a festive season when people annually decorate homes with trees, lights, ornaments and front lawns with huge blow up dolls, which really don’t make sense. There are bright colors, reigndeer, some old man in a red suit and an over abundance of God forsaken Christmas sweaters and vest. Christmas is perceived as a time where people “want a whole lot of this and a whole lot of that” while fighting for bargains on Black Friday all to bestow loved ones with expensive toys, gadgets and clothes to neatly wrap under a Christmas tree. Before you call me a cold hearted Ebenezer Scrooge please continue reading there is a reason for the season.

Christmas is suppose to represent the Birth of Jesus Christ, the greatest present ever given to mankind, God coming to earth as man for our sins. His existence was a journey of teaching humility; how to give, and be a blessing to others yet somewhere along the way society got it twisted thinking that our hands should always be on the receiving end. Christmas is a time for praising, singing of songs glorifying His name and most importantly serving our fellow man.

The general public has become numb or even skeptical of extending a helping hand to family let alone strangers until now. During this Christmas season we have witnessed thousands of spectacular incidents of unexplainable altruistic behavior from complete strangers’ nationwide, individuals paying off layaways for people they don’t know, to a man in Waycross, Georgia who bought $500 worth of McDonald’s gift cards, all in $25 increments to distribute to needy families. This kind gesture inspired the McDonald’s owner, Brian Fey, to match the donation by giving half the gift cards to the Pierce County Food Bank and half to a local homeless shelter. Paying it forward, random acts of kindness are actions which really embody the true spirit of Christmas and should transcend beyond one month but include 365 days a year. Giving can be contagious!

Jesus Christ told his followers it’s more blessed to give than to receive. He also stated for with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38. Sorrowfully, we often hoard God’s possessions opposed to giving to those in need. Contrary to popular belief, all things under the sun belong to God; he has blessed us with custodianship of earthly belongings we so often times cherish. Looking back over 2011, we had good times, faced some bad, and not to forget many blessings. I challenge you to take on the “I can’t help it disease” and begin showing random acts of kindness in 2012 and beyond by making yourself available as a giving vessel to others. Take time to recognize God’s blessings in your life and pass the blessings forward! With your new mindset of giving, who can you bless today?

Tigner J.