Hebrews 13:15-16 – “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. 16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  NASB

Each year on Christmas Day, it has been my heart’s desire and practice to set aside some time to reflect on God’s Gift to mankind and His goodness to my family and me during the year.  I have had numerous people ask me to participate in a specific time to pause all festivities and engage in a time of Thanksgiving and Praise to the Lord on this special day.  All that is good and worthy of involvement and consideration, yet I have one more thing to suggest.

On this day, the Day after Christmas, called Boxing Day in many parts of the world and celebrated in various forms, including giving to the poor and needy.  After you have opened all your presents and enjoyed the festivities with family and friends, I suggest that you take a moment to evaluate your blessings and determine to share something with those less fortunate.  I hope that you have already done this before Christmas Day, but if you have not, I encourage you to consider an endeavor that the Bible makes clear is pleasing to God and something that He routinely blesses – – Giving to the Needy. 

Maybe you received something that you do not need.  Rather than returning or exchanging it for something for yourself, consider taking it or the refund and doing something for those who did not have the wherewithal to celebrate this day with gifts for their children or family. They may need food, clothing, or shelter, and your contribution, regardless of how small, would make a meaningful difference in their lives today. Perhaps you do not know of anyone in that condition or situation, but I would suggest that your church does some of the local charities that are worthy and honorable, or maybe friends, family, or neighbors do.  Ask, and you might be surprised how near to your physical local the needy are.

I am not trying to shame anyone into doing something but simply suggesting that we count our blessings and then consider the possibility of giving a blessing to someone who is not as fortunate or blessed as we are today. It will be an excellent catalyst into the coming year, propel you to even greater heights in your spiritual journey, and may even be a significant factor in your financial development in the coming year.

Jesus said that we would always have the poor with us, so we are not going to stamp out poverty and need, but we can be aware of it and minister to it when it is revealed to us and within our ability to do so. 

May God bless you and provide you with a joyous and happy New Year!