Giving the Best: Charity

Orthodox Icon of Christ's Nativity

charity -  [char-i-tee]

The generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless: to devote one’s life to charity

This Advent season I have been spending time thinking about the the greatest gift ever given – the gift of Jesus Christ.  The birth of Christ is what humanity (through Israel, its kings, priests, & prophets) had been waiting for – for generations since Abraham.  And now – in a manger, in the little town of Bethlehem the CHRIST, in the form of a baby, was freely given to the world!  Son of God – Son of Man.

So what does His birth mean?  What does this gift imply?  Well – it means that humanity has finally received its promised reconciliation with our Heavenly Father.  In our disobedience we had lost our way.  Even though there were signs, answered prayers and His provision humanity went astray.  We chose our own path.  Now – God chose to make, what may have been cloudy, clear.  He chose to send His Word to become flesh and dwell with us.  No longer could we deny.  God was (and is) real…living as we lived…even experiencing the harsh realities of this world.  Yet He who was without sin, became sin for us that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21).   

It is this gift that I have been thinking about.  And it is the gift Christ offers that has really “screwed” up my Christmas season.  See, to be honest…I am usually thinking about me.  What I want.  What I hope to receive.  But this year has been different.  Things that usually interest me have not held my attention.  And, when I have thought about those gadget’s that I hope will make their way under the tree have faded in their perceived importance.  They are things…that when acquired…lose their luster very quickly.  What was important before Christmas day lost their significance once purchased, given, opened and utilized.  The fact is this…last year I wanted an ipod.  I spent alot of time thinking about how cool it would be.  What a blessing it would be to have when I traveled and worked.  What a handy device…I could record, take the news with me and have easy access to all my pictures.  It’s educational…I loaded books and podcasts on it so that I could grow…right?  However, once I received the ipod – the significance, its allure and all this excitement was gone.  My friends in Africa were still hungry, children in Honduras we still surviving on one meal a day, and my neighbors were still living in tenement housing. 

I realized…and have been reminded through out this Advent season of one significant aspect of Christ’s birth.  The gift of self-giving.  Giving everything…even life itself in order that others may live.  Christ gave charitably…out of love to those who were in most need – people like YOU and ME!  Now, it is our turn.  With Christmas day now in our rear view mirror we have the opportunity to mark this season by following the greatest commandment(s).  To love the Lord our God with our heart, soul and mind…and love our neighbors as we love ourselves.  My challenge…to love my neighbors…to love you as much as I have loved myself. 

May this Advent season be marked by charitable self-giving that others may come to understand the true meaning of this season.  Then we will have a gift that, “moth and rust” cannot destroy.  May God work through our collective, selfless giving during this difficult economic crisis that many may come to understand the depth of Christ’s love for all humanity. 

And may God richly bless you, your family and relatives… 

Tags: Advent, Charity, Christmas, Jesus Christ, Self Giving