The Season of Giving

³⁵ 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, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

~Matthew 25:35-40

As many of us are knee deep in shopping for Christmas, let us not forget those who are in need. Oh, think of how much it would please the Lord to give to someone or family who lacks what they need to survive. As we see in the passage above, Jesus not only identifies with those in need, but He has a heart for them.

This year our family is excited about supporting World Vision. World Vision is a:

…Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.

There are many ways to give to this wonderful organization. We will be shopping through our World Vision Gift Catalog:

Next, my home church has participated in Operation Christmas Child for years. Samaritan’s Purse is:

… a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Samaritan’s Purse offers multiple ways of being a blessing to those in need. It’s not to late to build a box online or order from their gift catalog. My 4-year-old son had a ball selecting items to put in our box!

If you can’t choose or there is a particular cause close to your heart, try Global Giving. You can choose the country, the cause, and the type of aid you want to give. Gift cards are also available.

Don’t forget the opportunity to give locally. Whether it be through an organization, your church, or if you know a family in need, there are plenty of ways to show your love.