The Spirit of Giving

Christmas stirs up a lot of adjectives or nouns when the word is spoken or read. It can mean presents, Santa, cookies, family, wrapping papers, long lines at stores, candy canes and Jesus. I'm not going into a sermon on how Jesus is the reason for the season, although I do love that saying and it is 110% truth. What I want to talk about is how Jesus' birth, the great gift we have been given is suppose to be displayed not only now but throughout the year.



I saw this poster and thought it was appropriate. God has been opening up my eyes this Christmas season to those who I can give to or those who might be needing and might not receive. A few of these examples are at Starbucks last weekend, I saw an angel tree with names and requests of foster children who were 15 and older. Even though they aren't young children, they still need to experience the gift of giving.

Also I read Kristin's post on Friday about giving gifts to senior citizens. They deserve respect and we can learn so much from them and they have sage advice we need to listen to and it is important to make sure that this generation receives the gift of giving during the Christmas season as well. 


Next year, I will challenge myself to look for those generations who still deserve so much but because of their age or location, maybe not receive a gift under their Christmas tree. What about you?

30 comments:

Carolina Charm said...

awesome post.

Stephanie said...

This is great! We participate in the giving tree at church, but we should definitely do more through out the year. We'll work on that in 2012!

Ruthie Hart said...

I couldnt agree with you more...sometimes people only want to give to little children but there are so many people in need this holiday season, young and old!

Shannon Marie said...

What a great post! I too agree that often times the elderly get forgotten around this time of year. On a weekly basis I always try to call my grandmother (she's my only living grandparent) but I don't always think to get her a meaningful gift. Thanks for the reminder and inspiration. Have a great day!

Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted said...

So true....until you mentioned it I never thought about the senior citizens this time of year. It seems like most charities focus on children. I will keep in mind for next year:)

... said...

What a good point! There are adults that will not receive anything this Christmas too...but they are often forgotten. I have a family friend that is "adopting" a handful of adult women and giving them a Christmas this year :)

Lauren said...

I think this time of year is really hard for a lot of people... So many of us are so very blessed, ESPECIALLY this time of year, so we should be able to spread blessings to others. After all, it really is the season for giving - and not receiving. We've received all we really need with the birth of Jesus - salvation!!

Jessica said...

great reminder to be looking out of our little circles. it should be something we do all year, but this season always brings it to light. thanks for sharing.

hannahstiff said...

I just posted about holiday giving ideas to stretch our love this Christmas season. This is a great post! Just started following you. Hope you'll stop by 4scarlet.com and say hi and follow back. XO

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Heather said...

great post. I just did a guest post about giving, and the importance of it.

http://captivatedbythebeautyofgrace.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-guest-post-brown-eyed-belle-act.html

you are 100% right, those age groups often get overlooked because people want the little kids to experience "santa" and tons of gifts.... I sponsor people every year, and it blesses me just as much as them.

Daniela said...

great post! I think that that is the real xmas spirit!

erica said...

Fabulous post! I watched a movie on lifetime called Christmas Angel... basically there was a guy who played secret santa and would give people who needed things those items. It was a really great movie and really made me wish that I actually had money to help others like that. xo

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

What a fantastic quote! Love the message. And thanks for letting me know you made my scones...you made my day :)

Dree said...

This is such an inspiring post. It is so important to remember the members of our communities who need a little extra help this time of year. My church has a giving tree, and I always try to donate around this time of year.

I really love your blog!

http://bethesong.blogspot.com

Mandy@OrangeAutumn said...

Great post! It's wonderful to think of others during this time of year. Not only does it leave happiness with someone else, but I feel a lot better too.

Simply LKJ said...

Great post! And so true, most concentrate on the wee ones, but there are so many older ones that need to be shown some love too!!

Unknown said...

A good post, and a good reminder. :) And all the things we can learn from it too!

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Great post! It's so easy to get caught up in our own lives and we need to take a second, step back, and remember what the season is really about.

BeckyJo606 said...

You are so right, Meg. I honestly think that when you give to people who are really in need, you get so many intangible gifts as well. Thanks for using yout blog for such a great, positive platform. Hope you're have a great day! :)

Katie {Miss Dixie} said...

love this post! You are so right...I have been looking for some ways to reach out to people even though it is the last minute this year! Maybe even some baked goods to an assisted living center?

Rod and Alex - aka: "Rolex" said...

So true, there are so many in need (young and old) and this is the perfect time to recognize that and do something about it! :)

Susan said...

I know exactly what you mean! I went Christmas caroling with some friends a few weeks ago to a few assisted living homes and we sang and chatted with the residents. It truly was one of the best gifts I've gotten this holiday. It really made the season real for me to give the residents a taste of Christmas and the past Christmases they've had. Great post Meg!

Gia said...

Very true. I mean even if you're not particularly religious, it's good to think of Christmas as a holiday for giving to others and spreading love, not commercialism and toys and stuff.

Ashley said...

This is a wonderful post Meg!

P.S. I've chosen you for the versatile blogger award, check out my blog on Tuesday (tomorrow) to see what its all about :)

http://sunshinelifelove.blogspot.com/

Meggan said...

I agree Meg! There are definitely groups of people that don't get as much attention around Christmas, but they definitely need love!

Vanessa Mercado said...

christmas happened because of unconditional love of God to us and him giving his son to us for us to be saved... people nowadays must understand that ultimate sacrifice Jesus has done for us and the real reason why we are celebrating christmas... great post!!!

join my christmas giveaway!!!

http://voguelyvan.blogspot.com/2011/11/international-christmas-giveaway.html

kissess!!!

Whitney @ justacountry-girl said...

such a great post meg! it is so easy to get caught up in all the hype around christmas. we all need to do our part to realize what it is really all about :-)

Mrs. Pancakes said...

Thanks for giving us the reminder and I couldn't agree with sharing this season spreading a little cheer to senior citizens...soo important!

marie said...

I need reminders like this because the busy-ness of this season sometimes overwhelms me.

My family does donate money and we used to work in a soup kitchen every Christmas until they had too many volunteers. Always a good thing huh?

Anonymous said...

I hadn't realized the need among the elderly at Christmas until I read someone else's blog post about trees for the elderly and how what they ask for is typically socks and toothpaste. It just broke my heart. It just makes you want to help everybody, doesn't it??