Christmas. It’s a time of giving. Jesus said it is better to give than to receive, and anyone who has experienced the satisfaction of watching a loved one receive a gift with joy and delight, knows the truth of that. God is generous to us, and He encourages us to be generous. As is often the case, the Lord gives us visuals in everyday life that remind us of His principles.
For example, think about hugs. I read somewhere that for optimum emotional health we need twelve hugs a day. People who are involved in a vibrant church, especially in the South, may get twelve hugs in a matter of minutes on a typical Sunday morning. (Perhaps that helps to explain why people we see at church often appear happier than those we meet randomly everywhere else.)
A hug benefits both giver and receiver. What a wonderful illustration God has given us concerning giving in general. Whatever we give away tends to come back to us. Those who give away hugs get hugged a lot. Those who give away anger and hostility generally encounter anger and hostility wherever they go. Those who are generous with their resources usually don’t live in want.
A friend of mine once observed that God measures His provision for us the way we measure brown sugar– pressed down and overflowing. There is nothing stingy about the way He pours out blessing. What would happen if we lived with brown sugar generosity about everything?
The Bible commends generosity. A poor widow, in obedience to God, shared what she thought was her last meal with Elijah the Prophet, then experienced supernatural abundance in the midst of a drought (1 Kings 17). Jesus took notice of another poor widow. He said her gift at the temple of two small coins was greater than that of all the others because she gave out of her poverty, and they gave out of their wealth (Luke 21:3,4).
God loves a cheerful giver. The amount is not as important as the willingness to share what we have. Whether our time, energy or material goods, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” When we give liberally, God liberally provides what we need. Everything we have comes from God. Giving is an expression of our faith that God will continue to provide for our needs. (See 2 Corinthians 8 and 9)
Christmas is the season of giving. In the prevailing spirit of happiness and friendliness, people are kinder, even to strangers. Of course, celebrating the birth of Jesus is cause for joy, but Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus all year long. It could be the extra measure of joy and cheer evident this time of year is related to a focus on giving good things to others.
Since generosity seems to produce joy, maybe a key to lifting our own spirits is to give something away. It may be as simple as finding someone who needs a hug.
A Generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others, will be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25 NIV
Blessings,
Phyllis
I would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below.
Image by karosieben from Pixabay
Copyright 2022 Phyllis L. Farringer
Thank you for this great reminder for the holidays. Sending you a hug
and have a blessed Christmas.
Thanks for the hug
Phyllis,
What a timely and beautiful message during the Advent season! We held back our human touch during the pandemic. Now, if a person is not contagious with an illness, hugs can embrace many. As you say, hugs promote health and they can be in Christ’s Spirit. Some people lovingly ask, “How about a prayer hug?” That means silent prayer goes to God for that person as one’s arms are wrapped around.
You are right. Prayers are a great way to hug someone.