A friend of mine told me just the other day that, even though she does not have a lot to give this Christmas Season, she has found a way to still make a difference.  On the way into a store each time she Christmas shops this year, she plans to empty her change purse into a donation kettle.  Then whatever change she gets from her Christmas shopping purchases inside the store, she is going to give on her trip back to the car as she again passes the kettle.  On a recent trip back past the kettle, she had $.12 change to give.  While that doesn’t seem like much, just imagine if every American gave $.12–that’d be nearly $3.7 million dollars.  What a difference that would make to those in need!

When I look at all the blessings the Lord has given me, I realize that they are so much more than I deserve, and in so many cases much more than enough to meet my needs.  He gives His children “extra” and it is not by mistake.  It is “on purpose”, for “His” purpose.  So, what am I going to do with the “change” from the extra He has given me?  Am I going to keep the “change” or will I give it away?  1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

But what can I give?

Time—Anyone can take a few minutes to call or write someone and share an encouraging word,  to listen to a hurting friend or to say a prayer on behalf of a brother or sister in need.  James 5:16 reminds us, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. ”

Talent—Talents come in many forms.  We can use whatever talents God has given us to bless others.  Romans 12:5-10 describes some of them. “So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Treasure—It is simple, we are called to help the poor. Deuteronomy 15:11 says, “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.”

After all, God taught us about giving when He sent His Son to save us some 2,000 years ago.  We celebrate His precious gift described in John 3:16 at Christmas time.   “For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  Yes, Jesus was the greatest gift of love ever given to those with the greatest need of all … uh, yes, that would be all of us.  You see, the greatest need that anyone can ever have is the need for a Savior.  We needed saving from death because our sin separates us from God.

When Jesus gave, He gave it ALL.  He died on a cross for each one of us personally to remove the sin that separates us from God.  He gave His life for ours because He would rather die for us than live without us.  He shared His love with the world and has changed it forever!  In fact, He is still changing lives today!  He came to Earth equipped with so much more than any mortal man.  He alone had the ability to save us and He had unconditional grace, unimaginable mercy and sacrificial love.  I’m so glad that ‘HE DIDN’T KEEP THE CHANGE’!!!  He gave it ALL for you and for me!

Dear Lord: Thank You for sending us the greatest gift of all, Your Son Jesus, on that first Christmas morning to show us how to live, to show us how to love. Amen

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  Matthew 25:40

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

And He has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:21

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38

Have you shared acts of service this Christmas? Please share your comments, experiences and thoughts and ideas for sharing the change this Christmas.

Thank for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May the change made in us by our Lord and Savior be the change that we share with others this Christmas Season.