Advent Devotionals by Kathleen Schwartz December 22 – Giving, Part 2

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

My thoughts for December 11 concerned giving.  As I shared then, the kids drew names for someone that they were to prepare a gift to give.   I thought I would update our saga of giving this Christmas.  On Friday afternoon, all the girls came to our house to use materials I provided to make a gift for their secret person.  By this time, almost everyone knew the names of each other.  Most of the girls wanted to draw again and really keep it secret this time.  So we began by redrawing names for those who wanted to. 

The girls (all 21 of them) made necklaces and bracelets out of beads, as the main activity.  Already some were knitting or crocheting scarves.  I also passed out old video tapes.  The tape, when crocheted, can make nice sparkly little purses.  It was a joy to see how everyone was busy, happily working away.  It was a lovely couple of hours.

On Saturday afternoon, the boys came over.  Although there was a bit more noise, it was pretty peaceful considering that there were 20 boys, ages 6-14.  The boys also liked the beads for making a bracelet.  I also had popsicle sticks that they used to make little boxes.  And some of the boys know how to crochet and knit so they had taken yarn and some took video tapes.

We are so used to giving, having our list, trying to get the “right” present, in some cases feeling obligated.  Let us all pray this Christmas for the joy of giving to embrace us.  May we never feel like giving is an obligation or unpleasant duty, but rather a gift in itself to be more like Jesus who gave his life for us.

Dear Jesus,  Help us to give with full hearts.  Help us to give without thinking about what we might receive.  Help us to appreciate anew all the gifts we receive each moment of the day from you.  Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus.