A Different Kind of Christmas
By Donna Watkins
“Blessed is he that considereth
the poor: the LORD will deliver
him in time of trouble.”
Psalms 41:1
'd like to present a different kind of Christmas. If you are a shopper and are tired of the rat race you run during the month of December and have been "wishing it could be different" for years, read on.
Our Christmas has been very different from the usual consumerism since we made an agreement with most of our friends and family that we wouldn't be exchanging gifts for Christmas. We suggested that we'd like to give to those who really need it.
It has changed the whole outlook of the month of December. It's a refreshing time of the year to think about the birth of Jesus and all that He has done for us. As He came to give, it's a wonderful way to celebrate to give to those who have so little.
We have had the most exciting "thank yous" over the years from giving gifts/donations to organizations who support the poor. If folks are online, I send an email with the link to the site so they know more about where their gift money was given.
If they're not, I make sure that the organization will send out a "thank you" with some information about what the money will do or provide. It's a wonderful feeling to really make a difference in lives rather than just to add 'stuff' to somebody else's home.
Consider the fact that giving a contribution as a gift also gives you a tax break. You could possibly turn your Christmas dollars into a lower tax bracket on all that you earn. If you asked around, I bet you'd find that many people would love to do this. Give it a try!
Make a list of those you exchange gifts with and see if you can both agree to really make a difference in our world. If they have organizations they love, ask for the names.
If not, ask for a few "categories" that they would like to donate to, such as: children (Compassion International), the poor (Mercy Works), youth (Youth With a Mission), emergency care (Red Cross), shelters (Salvation Army), animal welfare (Humane Society of the United States), wildlife (National Wildlife Federation), preserving the natural world (The Nature Conservancy), or caring for creation while serving the poor (Target Earth).
Here are some wonderful Scriptures about giving to the poor. You will reap much more than you give.
Psalms 41:1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
Proverbs 28:27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
Proverbs 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
If there is someone in the family that really needs a gift, consider joining with other family members to purchase something that will really meet a need, but would cost too much for one person to buy.
Too many times people have enough gloves, ties, clothes and cologne, but a real need is an appliance or a new mattress. Maybe that could be the focus of foregoing presents to each other in a family.
Make somebody that needs something the target of your giving within the family. It will be the best gift for everyone's heart and bring out the true meaning of Christmas for all!