Many times as we make the transition from childhood to adulthood, we can feel frustrated at the loss of that “magical” quality of Christmas.
All of the joy and expectation, the excitement, and fun – it can get lost in the mix.
For some, it can become a time of year they dread because it turns into a long to-do list of obligations. For others, it can feel empty and lonely.
The key to making the most of Christmas is to look at what we’re giving and here’s why…
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF CHRISTMAS
If you want to make the most out of the Christmas season, take time to give. That does NOT mean expensive gifts or anything monetarily, even.
It means if you want to feel that special holiday feeling again – give that to someone else. If you don’t want to be lonely anymore, go find someone who is lonely and be a friend to them. Go be a blessing to someone today and you’ll get into the Christmas spirit pretty quickly.
Let’s follow God’s example and give – of our time, of our talents and our words.
What the Word Says:
– …A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7
– The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also read sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6
– Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaking together, running over, will it be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38
PUTTING THIS PRINCIPLE INTO ACTION
Ways you can help that cost little to no money…
1. Give your talent.
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10
What do you do or like to do that could help someone? An example: Do you bake? Make something for a neighbor that needs encouragement or someone that may not have much. Are you handy around the house? See if anyone around you needs help repairing something. Do you clip coupons? There are organizations that help Military families by supplying them with coupons (they can use them up to 6 months after the expiration dates).
Look at what you have a talent for and see how you can use it to bless someone.
2. Give your time.
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27
Around this time of year charitable organizations, community outreaches, and more are all putting together drives or events, it’s not too late to help! There are community food pantries putting on Christmas Eve dinners that need help with serving or clean-up. If you don’t have someone to celebrate with, don’t get so focused on your problems that you don’t look outside yourself to help others. Go help make that day special. Whether it’s volunteers at retirement homes or people donating extra clothes for homeless shelters – there are never enough hands to fill the need. Find out where there is a need in your community and fill it! Make it a family affair.
(Don’t overlook spending time with your own family. It can be easy to get so busy preparing for the holiday that we don’t take time for each other. Make time for your family. And if you can’t be together, make time to reach out through a letter or a call.)
3. Give your words.
Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24
A kind word to a cashier, a co-worker or even a family member can be more valuable than you realize. Don’t overlook even the smallest opportunities to give a genuine compliment or word of encouragement. Don’t be stingy with your words this season. Give life-bringing, encouraging words to someone today.
These are only a few of the ways you can use what you have to make someone’s Christmas special and make your own brighter at the same time.
Let’s go find ways to be a blessing today!
The Take Away:
If you want to make the most out of the Christmas season, take time to give. That does NOT mean expensive gifts or anything monetarily, even.
