An Advent Devotional by Kathleen Schwartz December 11 – Giving

“For God so loved the world that He gave….”  (John 3:16)

On Saturday we had Hope Club on our verandah.  The purpose was to talk about giving.  The children know that they will be receiving gifts on Christmas, but I wanted them to be thinking about giving as well as receiving.  It doesn’t matter who you are, how rich or poor, you can still find ways to give to others. 

We did a name drawing: boys picking boys names, girls picking girls names.  They had never done anything like this before.  We tried to make it a secret, but some kids just blurted out the name they picked.  Others were trying to look over shoulders to see who picked what name.  (It is fun to see how kids are the same no matter where they live!)

Then on Sunday, Pastor Ted preached on giving.  He didn’t know what we had done on Saturday, so when he heard, it was confirmation that we were in agreement.  “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” 

Now the challenge is helping provide the children with ways that they can make a gift for the person whose name they drew.  We will get out “cotton” (yarn) for those who can knit and crochet, both boys and girls.  They can make scarves and other things.  I have beads for girls to make jewelry.  My challenge is to find things that the boys can make for each other. (If any of you reading this have simple, good ideas please send them to my email address, kathleensings@gmail.com.)

Of course, there is always the coupon option.  “I will wash your clothes for one week.”  “I will do your afternoon chores for 3 days.”  Etc.    Joshua, one of our youngest asked, “If your stomach is full can you share your food?” 

Implementing ideas with the children usually takes time and energy, but it is worth it to see them participating and growing in understanding.  God is constantly giving us things: life, breath, food, clothing, meaningful work, friends, the Bible and inspiration, love, mercy, forgiveness…….  As we are in the process of growing to be more like Him, we also need to grow in our capacity and willingness to give as well.  For this Advent season 2013, how can we give more than we ever have before?

The economic situation in the US and around the world is not good.  Many people have lost jobs or are underemployed. Yet those with the least in our country have historically given a greater percentage of what they have than those with more.  Is God calling you to grow in giving especially to those who need it the most?  Are you able to trust Him to provide all that you need?

Dear Lord,  You gave the most priceless gift, Your Son.  Help our hands to be open to give joyfully and eagerly.  May all of us, the children at Village of Hope, children we know, and ourselves experience the great joy we receive when we give.  Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus