“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” (Acts 20:35)

Let’s face it – it’s easy to talk about giving. This season claims to be all about giving. Nearly every commercial urges potential shoppers to give only the best. More and more, this phrase is being applied to the shopper themselves. According to the National Retail Federation, “self-gifting” was up again and could reach a ten-year high.

The world is growing more selfish… this is hardly newsworthy. As Christians, we know that Jesus calls us to live as the verse above describes: helping the weak and giving rather than receiving. Christians are sometimes criticized when it comes to love – that we do more talking about giving than giving. This is probably true sometimes. We can get as caught up in the world’s selfish ways as any other group of people. But I wanted to take some time to get specific about some amazing displays of love that have come from this congregation. In the last few weeks, I have seen…

• Giving Time & Talents: Several families with financial needs in our community will receive blankets made by ladies in the congregation.
• Giving Gifts: Thanks to the Giving Tree, fifty children from underprivileged families will receive useful and fun gifts under their trees this Christmas.
• Giving Funds: When this congregation heard about the Trapletti twins (8-month-olds diagnosed with the rarest form of SCID), over $2,000 was collected within a matter of hours.
• Giving Energy & Care: Yesterday, the parents of the congregation received an early Christmas present – someone to watch our kids! Adult and teen volunteers gave moms and dads some time to get holiday plans in order. You took time to show love… and we all say thank you.

Church family, you have done more than talk about love… you have put it into action.