A friend of mine once told me that even though she does not have a lot extra to give at Christmas, she still finds a way to still make a difference.  On the way into a store each time she Christmas shops, she empties her change purse into a donation kettle.  Then whatever change she gets from her Christmas shopping purchases inside the store, she gives on her trip back to the car as she again passes the kettle.  On one trip past the kettle, she had 12 cents to give.  While that doesn’t seem like much, just imagine if every American gave 12 cents, 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. God calls us 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.  Christ 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, Jesus is still changing lives today!  He came to Earth equipped with so much more than any mortal man.  Jesus 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

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