The Gift of Giving
by Crystal Hildebrand
For the past few years, Word Alive Press has been excited to honour the Gift to Share offer. Not only does this promotion give our authors the chance to save on publishing, but it also provides a hamper to a family in need through Winnipeg’s Christmas Cheer Board. Plus, it gives the staff at Word Alive Press an opportunity for active service as we shop for and put together the hampers. We love this offer, and we always hope to deliver as many hampers as possible.
There is something to be said about shopping for and delivering a gift to a deserving friend or neighbour, and Christmas time is the best time to do this!
The wonder of the Christmas season has always involved purposeful gift-giving and charity, stemming from the very beginning. God, through His great love for us, sent His son, Jesus, as a gift to humanity. Jesus was the perfect example of how to live a life of servitude and love, making the ultimate sacrifice and saving us all from our sins. Because of the hope He has given us, we as Christians have the ability to share this hope and love with others!
The early church seemed to have the giving thing down to a science, sharing what they had with each other, so no one went without. With an outpouring of love, they blessed others through generosity and by meeting their needs.
Charities such as Samaritan’s Purse, Salvation Army, and various Christmas Cheer organizations make it easy and convenient for givers, as they are already actively trying to reach those who need a little help this season. Partnering with them can be as simple as a few clicks or a trip to the store to fill a shoebox.
This holiday season, let us spread God’s remarkable love to others by blessing them with our generosity. Take advantage of the great opportunities this Christmas season. Your gift could make a big difference in the life of another, and it can be in the form of Christmas baking, an encouraging note, a shoebox, a goat, or yes, even a hamper!
“If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8, NKJV).
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Did you enjoy this post? Read more by Crystal Hildebrand, here.
About this Contributor:
Crystal Hildebrand is a Publishing Consultant at Word Alive Press. She is an avid reader and writer who enjoys coffee, book clubs, and her sensitive wolfhound. Crystal and her husband of twenty years live in rural Manitoba with their two very busy teenagers.