Without the birth of Christ, there would be no Christ-mas celebration or any significance to December 25th. “Christ comes from the Greek word Christos, meaning “anointed one” or “chosen one.”  Christ is His title signifying Jesus was sent from God to be King of the world. As much as we may want to suppress the true meaning of Christ-mas and celebrate the insignificant parts, It doesn’t change the fact that the day or its celebratory aspect came in existence because of the chosen one Jesus Christ. Some people have refrained from celebrating Christmas all together; because they don’t consider Jesus as their Lord or don’t think He is the Savior of the world. While the vast majority have decided to be involved in the lights, trees and gifts aspect without having any ties to His birth and as Lord of the world. Regardless of what their reasons are, we all love a good party – and this day unlike any other day was a Blessing to us and require us to be a Blessing to others as much as we have been blessed. “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11: 24-25.

As His birth was a blessing to us, so we are to be a blessing to others on a regular basis especially during the Christmas season. This doesn’t mean we should go broke or in debt ourselves to the maximum capacity. We can’t give what we don’t have – it’s all about the heart that giveth not so much about the gift. “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.” Deuteronomy 16:17. We have all been gifted in one way or the other – if we learned to focused on what we do have rather than what we don’t have, we will realize we live in a world of abundance. Some might say I don’t even have enough to give to my family or to cater for myself. How then can I bless someone else? Guess what! We will never have enough, because our human nature itself is full of greed and selfish desires. If you know a thing or two about giving, you would know that we don’t give out of the abundance we have, instead from the little – real giving is not true giving unless it hurts! Whatever it is that you can do to put a smile on someone else’s face, is exactly what you should do. If giving your time or baking is your best attributes, go for it! You won’t know the difference a cookie makes to a person who has never been offered one. If you have never experienced the joy that comes with giving either in Alms, Tithes or offering then take this as an opportunity and experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from stretching forth a hand to give and not just to receive.

As a child, I remembered Christmas always being all about going to church, singing chorus, performing nativity stories and eating variety of foods on Christmas day.  We didn’t care much about Christmas gifts, but one thing we couldn’t go without was our outfits – which were always a compliment of the season. North America on the other hand is another story – with more spending (cash/debts) to compliment the season irrespective of drowning economy. The numerous advertising/commercial schemes doesn’t make it any easier with companies trying to lure consumers into buying everything in the market. Don’t get me wrong, I do love a gift or two at this time of the year, but nothing that would put us out of budget or strain us financially – we settle for things within our reach after all, there would always be another Christmas or opportunity. The good part is, all is not lost because there is something really magical about this day, because believers and non believers alike are more selfless when it comes to giving. The gift is not supposed to be physical or material things, but it can also be a helping hand, forgiveness, kindness, repentance or generosity towards another. What is it that the Lord is asking you to give today? So, spend your money wisely, use your time preciously, give as much as you have been given and your cup will never be empty. “Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it sincerely. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.” 2 Corinthians 8:12.

As we celebrate this Christmas. Let’s not forget how it all started with the birth of a special baby boy Jesus Christ who was sent to save us from our sins. Without Christ, there would be no Christmas! He was a free gift, so we are to give freely. Take the time and share his love by acknowledging one another in ways that best describe our personality/upbringing. By exemplifying his love we are professing that He sent us and the world would proclaim his name. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created”. James 1:17-18. Remember, is not about equal giving, rather equal sacrifices. From my family to yours, we wish you the best of the season and may the Lord protect and see you into the New Year. Peace, Love, Joy, and Happiness is my heart desire and I wish you same.