Always give the extra

Jesus, help me look for ways to share, so I'm always ready for you to be part of my life. Amen!

John the Baptist was teaching people that Jesus was coming soon, and they were excited. "What can we do to get ready?" they asked. John told them: "Whoever has two coats, give one to the person who has none. If you have food, give away the extra. Don't take more money than you need, and be happy with what you have."

Lots of people get in a "giving mood" around Christmas. People ring bells outside stores, asking for money for the poor; schools collect toys for kids whose families can't afford them; churches ask for food for people who might go hungry at the holidays. Everyone is eager to help out.

When Jesus was about to start teaching people, it felt like Christmastime. People got excited; they wanted to do whatever they could to be ready for Him. John the Baptist gave them good advice: To get ready for Jesus, he said, get in the "giving spirit" by sharing what you have with those who have less.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, but you know that Jesus wasn't just around then! Jesus lived a whole life on earth and still lives in every person's heart today. That means your "giving mood" shouldn't just happen at Christmas, but all the time.

Soon, Christmas will be over, but there will still be poor people who need help. Even after Christmas, John's advice will still be good: When you have extra, give it away.

If you get new toys at Christmas, think about giving some of the old ones to kids who might not have as many. If you hear about someone who doesn't have a winter coat, find out if your family or friends have one to give. Kids can make a difference -- and not just at Christmas!

(12/11/03) [[In-content Ad]]