Sharing our presents

Some kids won't get as many presents as you this Christmas. They're poor, and they might get some clothes or a toy, but not a pile of gifts or a full stocking. Everywhere you go, you see people collecting toys and money to help those kids have a good Christmas.

Jesus would be up there, too, reminding people to share what they have with those who don't have as much. In this week's Gospel (Luke 3:10-18), John the Baptist gives people that message for Jesus!

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."

Santa doesn't bring every present you get. Some presents come from relatives or friends. But poor kids don't have families who can buy presents for them. That's why we need to help.

Many people in Jesus' time were poor. They didn't have presents to give away. Instead of telling them to buy new things for others, John said to share what they had, like an extra coat or food, and to take only what they needed and leave the rest for others.

That's a good idea for us, too. Kids usually don't have lots of money, but you have toys -- some, you don't even play with any more! Other kids would be happy to have them at Christmas. They'd also like the coat that doesn't fit you any more. There's lots of ways for you to share with the poor!

When people asked John how to get ready for Jesus, he said, "Share." While you're getting ready for Jesus to be born on Christmas Day, you can do the same thing.

Giving to kids who are poor gives us a present: Jesus' being proud of us at Christmas!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me to share what I have -- at Christmas and always. Amen!

(12-11-97)

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