Matthew 25:35-40 –   ^“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’  ³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ ⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

Although my text is not a traditional Christmas text, I believe it embodies the true Spirit of Christmas.  As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word, I was reminded of more than a brief text allows to disclose.  There were multiple reminders that relate to life and this season (Christmas). 

God gave Israel a life principle that the church has forgotten – Handfuls on Purpose.   What am I talking about?  They were never to glean the corners of their fields and not go back to pick up what was missed in the first reaping. 

Why?  It was an act of benevolence to provide food for the poor, needy, and hungry.  It allowed people to receive help while maintaining a sense of dignity.  This was not begging. It was a benevolent provision.  God is concerned with people’s dignity and yet wants people to be productive.   Remember what Paul told the Thessalonians?  If anyone refuses to work, don’t feed them. 

Here at Christmas, we should remember the needy.  I know of people and businesses who employ the poor and needy to do odd jobs rather than just giving them a handout.  Some of those were inspired to continue the climb out of poverty with a sense of pride and dignity.   I’ve also known of those who just gave handouts, and many of the recipients became perpetual beggars.   Willing to be idle and provided for with no sense of pride. 

God trained Israel to help the needy.  The Psalms tell us that if we care for and give to the poor, God considers it a loan to Him, and He always repays.  He even said that doing that would cause us to be raised up from our sick beds.

They cared for others out of gratitude for God’s goodness and provision.  They also gave knowing that, in God’s Covenant, there was no lack.  They lived with no sense of lack.    They considered that Everything they had was God’s and was to be shared. 

The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6 was their foundation. They believed that coventally, they could expect God to bless, protect, and keep them.

The face of God shining on them assured them of provision and reflected God’s approval. His countenance lifted up, bringing Shalom (more than peace but divine enablement to do and be), giving assurance of His person, power, and presence.

God’s name was put on them, a mark of ownership!  They belonged to The Living God!   The Owner, Creator, and Possessor of All Things.   With that mindset, they could live in total peace with absolute assurance that He was their sun and shield.  They were Kept!

In European castles, there is a place at the entrance with an open area and a balcony or platform where a few soldiers could hold off large forces around the walls.   That place was called The Keeps.    God is our Keeps, and for the enemy to reach us, he has to go through God.  Sounds pretty secure to me.

For the devil to touch us, he must go through God.  Unless God lifts His hand, NO weapon can prevail.  We abide in the inner sanctuary of God just inside the Keeps!  He is our Keeper!

To tie it all together, when we remember the needy, we open the door to God’s blessings and move into the Pavilion tent of protection and provision.   Remembering them might be more than monetary. It is sometimes compassion and encouragement.

I encourage everyone to purposefully leave handfuls on purpose for those in need, whatever they need.   Christmas is all about Giving.   It is not about receiving or exchanging gift for gift.  It is a selfless sacrifice.

Merry Christmas, and may the Aaronic blessing be fully realized in you!