The Salvation Army, Goodwill, Deseret Industries, Secret Santa, Angel Tree, Toys for Tots, and so many more. All of them organizations that help people who are down on their luck and all of them organizations that either only work around Christmas, or do their best around Christmas.
It reminds me of Scrooge when he asks, "Are there no Prisons? No work houses?" Many of us look upon the needy the rest of the year and this is our response, but not around Christmas. Something about the season makes us remember that we're all children of God, and that sometimes bad luck happens several years in a row, and we all need help from time to time. I just love watching people go through stores with hand written notes, frantically trying to find a toy they've never heard of so that they can help a family who can't afford it this year. I can't help but smile. I can't help but think that Jesus wants things this way.
I know it causes a lot more stress for a lot of people. Both on the giving and receiving end of the charity, but I think it's worth it. Even in parents have made horrible choices, we all think that their children should have Christmas because they didn't make the choices. Anyway, Christmas Charity is my number five.
I needed to hear/read this today. I'm not sure how to explain it but I just did. I love the charity that we feel around Christmas. The desire to make someone's life a little better even if it's just for a day/hour/minute.
ReplyDeleteLet us count our blessings that we can be the "helpers" for those in need.
With so much excess at Christmas it only seems right to share it; I wish people would do more of this every month though, or at least when they can.
ReplyDeleteEvery year we have our son pick a name from the charity tree and he picks out a present for that child. We want to teach him that Christmas isnt all about receiving.
ReplyDelete@Amanda
ReplyDeleteFor real. We really are blessed.
@dbs
I agree. with all statements.
@Alittlesprite
I think this is so healthy. Your son will be grateful you did this for the rest of his life.