For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life (Jn 3:16)
Christmas is the season of giving and receiving. Which do most of us like better—giving presents or receiving them? If we’re honest, the answer is probably “both.”
Most of us like giving gifts at Christmas as much or more than we like receiving them. Why? Because unselfish giving always receives something back in return—even if it’s just a smile, a hug, or a heartfelt “thank you!” When we give, we establish a two way relationship with the person who benefits from our generosity.
But that means that giving is also receiving. When we give a gift to someone we love, we get back so much more in return. Generosity is good for the soul. We are better persons when we give generously “not counting the cost” and “not expecting anything in return.” Even if the person who receives our gift is ungrateful or preoccupied with worries or too self-centered to say “thank you,” we are better off giving than we would be holding back.
God the Father is the greatest giver, of course. At Christmas we celebrate the most precious gift imaginable . God loves us so much that by the power of the Holy Spirit he gives us his only Son as our Lord and Savior. This is such a magnificent gift that our only possible response is to receive this gift with gratitude and humility as faithful stewards of God’s abundant generosity.
Christian stewardship invites us to be generous givers and grateful receivers—especially during this holy season. There are four characteristics or qualities that define the spirituality of stewardship: Gratitude, Accountability, Generosity and the Willingness to Give Back to the Lord with Increase. Especially during Christmas, these qualities can make the difference between a joyful season and a sad one.
Gratitude helps us remember that we have been abundantly blessed by a loving and merciful God. It reminds us to say “thank you” and not take the gifts of Christmas for granted.
Accountability challenges us to be responsible for taking care of the gifts we receive at Christmas time and throughout the New Year. When we accept our responsibilities and can be accountable for the gifts of time, talent and treasure that we have received, we can truly experience the peace and joy of Christmas.
Generosity is what Christmas is all about. God gives us everything we have (our material and spiritual gifts). All he asks in return is that we share these gifts generously with all our sisters and brothers everywhere.
And Giving Back to the Lord with Increase is what makes Christmas such a special time of year. As faithful Christian stewards, we don’t simply hold onto (or hide) God’s gifts; we increase them, making sure they multiply and grow! That’s why the joys of the season spread exponentially whenever we are grateful, accountable and generous in giving and receiving God’s gifts.
God loves us so much that he constantly gives us his gifts of healing and hope, love and mercy, peace and joy, courage and perseverance, and faithfulness even when we turn our backs on him or fail to say “thank you.”
God so loved the world that at the first Christmas he gave us the perfect gift—his only Son, Jesus Christ. And he continues to give this gift generously. How shall we receive this precious gift this year?
-Daniel Conway
