One of my favorite things about the Christmas season is that, despite rampant consumerism and endless obsession with getting gifts, generosity is often seen in profound ways.
I remember reading a story to my daughter a couple of years ago about a little girl who desperately wanted a particular doll for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, she was elated to find the doll gifted to her! However, before she was able to enjoy it, she realized that one of her classmates did not receive any gifts that year. Sensing the Holy Spirit was asking her to give her prized possession away, she finally conceded after an inner battle with self.
I am sure that you have read similar stories or witnessed generous, unselfish acts toward those in desperate need. Christmas has a way of highlighting the gulf between the “haves” and the “have-nots” and compelling people to show compassion and benevolence toward those who are less fortunate.
As I think about these things, I cannot help but draw some spiritual parallels. We, who are blessed to live in a Christian nation, or who have grown up with God-fearing parents, or other strong spiritual influences or privileges, have been given a precious gift, a matchless treasure. When we call on God as our Father, the Giver of “every good…and perfect gift” (James 1:17), the Giver of the ultimate gift, Jesus Christ our Savior (John 3:16), every day is Christmas. The gift of salvation, the gifts of the Spirit, and the hope, assurance and peace that come from knowing God far outweigh any material thing we can receive.
As Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we are truly “haves” in a vast world of “have-nots.” The question is, will this move us to show compassion and pity toward those in darkness?
Ellen White, while speaking to a group of church leaders in Battle Creek, MI, in 1893, said:
I ask you to think of the many, many souls who need to hear the message of redeeming love…You…have the privilege of receiving from Jesus the living water. Will you…feast your souls upon the riches of his marvelous love and grace, and yet feel no special burden for those who are in darkness and error.” 1
This Christmas season, as you ponder the blessings you have received throughout your life, will you do something for those in darkness and need? Will you show radical generosity, perhaps by giving your life to the task of reaching an unreached people group? Let us help you today! Please contact us at 800-937-4236 or recruiter@afmonline.org.
1Daily Bulletin of the General Conference 5, no. 1 (January 27, 28, 1893) Quoted in A Voice to Rouse the Nations By D.J.B Trimm, p. 124
