The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

People love the holidays. Some people a little too much. I mean really do we need to put our trees up before Thanksgiving? This year I heard Christmas music before Halloween! Yet those early birds don’t seem to put much of a damper on things. Why do people love this time of year?

Well, some of it is obvious. Family, faith, and fun. People seem more joyous. Even in the coldest dreariest weather, there is something special in the air. There are parties. Kids are excited about Santa. People singing. Things are decorated. Yet maybe there is another reason. We give gifts.

Wait, that the worse part right? The chaotic shopping, the commercialization, the cost. However, let’s consider a statement Paul quotes from Jesus in Acts 20:35 'It is more blessed to give than to receive”. We might get caught up on how many presents we have under the tree but true joy, real happiness is found in what we give. For some, this is the only time of year they show charity. The only time they consider the less fortunate. The only time they use what they have for someone other than themselves. Is it any wonder that it seems to make our world a little brighter and more hopeful?

A true spirit of giving shouldn’t be something we just reserve for a few weeks in December. Giving is a form of worship (Hebrews13:6). Our hearts are blessed when we look to find ways to help others. When we look for ways to be generous and give to others, we make every day better

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

Galatians 6:9-10

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Ecclesiastes 12:10

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