It’s finally here!!!! My absolute favorite time of year is Christmas DAY! I love everything about it from the presents to the cookies with family and friends close by. My most favorite though is the joy of giving that brings cheer, gladness and even a tear to those I hold most dear. How is it was possible to carry this through an entire year? I believe it can be if we follow a few simple rules…

G- Generosity!

Give from a selfless heart for the pure joy of honoring another human being. It does not have to be money and gifts it can be your time or even a kind word. A simple smile to a stranger can fill their heart with joy and it costs you only a flicker of time.

Acts 20:35

“ In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ “

I-Inspire!

Be the example that others need to follow by using your gifts and talents that you have been blessed with to inspire and take the lead. One of the greatest compliments you can get is “thank you for your inspiration,” because when you touch one life in a positive way you never really know how many others will be inspired because of you.

Matthew 7:12

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

V-Value!

Do you consider the value in everything you do? Are you adding value to others as you give generously of your time and service or are you just going through the motions? To experience joy in giving, aim to add value! I understand it can be hard at times to do good when you are not seeing a return or not being appreciated however God sees and He knows your heart. It’s worth it!!

Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

E-Eternity!

“It’s better to give than to receive” … How many times have you heard this? I love to receive gifts too yet I experience such a greater joy in giving, don’t you? Did you know that our brain actually produces “feel good” hormones when we give!?  It’s no wonder the spirit of Christmas brings us joy with days of giving to others bringing us into a new year of possibility. What would it be like if this spirit lasted all year long??

Matthew 6:19

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”

 

MAY YOUR DAY BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS AND THE JOY OF GIVING!