Giving Out of Abundance

It's almost here! It's almost here!

Some things always bring back the joy of childhood no matter how old you are. Christmas is one of those childhood restorers every year. More than the lights and decorations and gifts, it’s a reminder of hope. In a tough year, we’ve all needed the reminder that God doesn’t look down on earth and shrug His shoulders. He sent His son Jesus to show us just how much He loves us, cares about our every concern and meets our greatest need—relationship with Him. Emmanuel, God with us…ahhhh!

He is the greatest gift ever, but nevertheless, as I said in my devotion today, it is a treat to give to our children. Their gifts are all wrapped and waiting under the tree (including Santa gifts for those big boys, because you have to believe to receive!). Their stocking stuffers are sitting in a bag under my bed just waiting to be stuffed. I'm anticipating the giving and watching my loved ones receive.

Even though it's been a tight year financially, Barry and I are able to give. We're giving more out of the abundance of our hearts than our wallets, but we're thankful that it's time to give and that there's enough.

That's because the truth is that we're rich. Hang with me while I explain. We're not at all rich compared to most Americans, but we're rich compared to most of the rest of the world. There will be many loving parents on Christmas morning around the world, however, who long to give to their children--who long to be able to "scrape together" some gifts or a special meal--but literally cannot.

It's because of these parents and their children that our family gives to Compassion. Each month our child, Manuel, receives $38 through Compassion that helps not only him but his whole family.

Our family gives out of the abundance of our heart and the abundance of the Gift we've been given, not out of our great material riches (we have 2 teenagers after all!). How about you? Could God be calling you to give to a needy child? Maybe God is speaking to your heart, too. You can bring joy into this Christmas season and for a whole life time by sponsoring a child through Compassion.

If God is speaking to you about a different kind of Christmas giving this year, please just do it now. Click on the button below and start a child sponsorship through Compassion.

I know that our family can't outgive God, but our gifts to Manuel each month are a way that we say "Thank you, Jesus, for what you gave for us" all year long.

Merry Christmas friends!!