The Joy Of Giving

The Joy of Giving

You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

Just before Christmas in 1982, Dee and his wife, Margaret, heard from their church that a family in a nearby town was experiencing trouble. In fact, the family’s kitchen cupboards were bare.

Dee and Margaret headed for the grocery store and found themselves getting carried away as they went up and down the aisles, putting cartons and boxes in their basket. White Christmases are unusual in Oklahoma, but that night a heavy snow covered the ground as the couple drove to the family’s trailer and unloaded the groceries. As they chatted with the surprised parents, the family’s four young children were busy inspecting the sacks and putting away boxes of cereal, cookies, and fruit.

Suddenly ten-year-old Charlie bounded from the kitchen with a four-pack of toilet tissue held high in his left hand. “Look, Mom, toilet paper!”

The mother and father shot sheepish glances at their guests as Charlie skipped toward the bathroom to put away the tissue. That was a memorable Christmas.

Dee and Margaret can’t remember what gifts they exchanged among their own family members that year. They have no idea whether they received a new tie or necklace, books, or cologne. Nor can they recall what special Christmas concerts or inspiring services they attended. But they’ll always remember that scene of the little boy skipping through the house with a pack of toilet tissue held high. The memory never fails to fill their hearts with joy. —CHERI

Father, thank you for the salvation and grace you have given us in Jesus Christ. Help me to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas by giving and serving others with an open heart and open hands.

It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you. . . . Yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.

—MOTHER TERESA (1910–1997), FOUNDER OF MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY IN CALCUTTA, INDIA