There is concern in many households this time of year about managing budgets and not spending beyond one’s financial means. And it is wise to not spend more than one can afford.
But Christmas is about much more than spending money and buying presents. It’s about understanding Christ and reflecting God’s love abundantly to every neighbor.
When sharing the gift of Love, there is no limit to how much one can give. And there is no benefit in holding back.
“Giving does not impoverish us in the service of our Maker, neither does withholding enrich us.”
~ Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health, p. 79
Thank you Evan for this timely rreminder.
Many years ago my dear grandmother started a tradition: she baked dozens and dozens of Christmas cookies and gave them to friends and neighbors. I now live on another continent and although her incomparable recipe has been lost, I have kept up that tradition. There is a person in my church who starts reminding me in mid-July that Christmas is com!ing! But I must admit it is a tiring activity and for the past couple of years I have said to myself, This is the last year. I can’t do this anymore. And so again this year I rehearsed that familiar line, “i am too tired, it takes too much out of me…”
Then I stopped and a thought hit me: What impels this activity?” The answer came right away: “It’s Love.” And I said to myself, Love can’t be depleted, nothing can take too much out of divine Love! As you once wrote, Evan, Love never runs out of opportunities to express itself.” So that dear person who has been waiting for her cookies since last Christmas will once again get her little box of goodies, a tangible expression of Love–and no fatigue involved!
Bless you Evan, that is just what I needed to hear today!
Dear Nancy, I LOVED your comments. How lovely of you! You are truly” giving of your heart’s sweet overflow”!My doorbell rang yesterday and standing there was a neighbor with a huge tin of homemade cookies! It was just brimming over with love. I felt so tangibly the love of God being expressed by this dear one. How beautiful your words and actions are! Big hugs, Nancy and Evan for this view into generosity. I love to reverse Mrs. Eddy’s statement: Withholding IMPOVERISHES, and giving ENRICHES!
Aw, that’s a fresh turn of phrase that expands the message! Thanks for sharing.
good message!
A heartfelt thanks or compliment costs the giver nothing, but it’s worthy value is so very healing to both the receiver and giver. And thank you Evan for “SpiritView.”
What blessings come with your “on spot’ messages, Evan. My heart if filled with gratitude for this one, meeting my exact need as I start this day during this very special season. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Blessings to you and your family.
I love knowing the ripple affect of our giving….It blesses ALL….!
“For it is in giving that we receive.” Saint Francis of Assisi
I’ve recently made sure to let others know how much I love them. I try to think of many ways to express love. Think about the little things that you can give. I could make a list of things that have nothing to do with dollars spent that my friends might value. For example I offered to watch a friend’s pet if she had to go somewhere and the doggies weren’t welcome. Take real time to sit with a friend and see if they have need to be heard. Don’t forget to say ” Love ya. Love ya”!
Giving material presents has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas but has to do with giving up mortal gossiping ideas of persons and seeing them as God sees them. That’s true Christmas.
Thank you Evan and all you dear folk who are expressing such love.
I have a dear man who cleans my home once a fortnight. I make sure I am around to praise him for his thorough and meticulous work after he’s finished
. He came last Wednesday .
After he’d finished I emerged from my den to thank him again and to wish him joy and peace for his holiday time., but he was not there. His van was there but he was missing. After 10 minutes he reappeared. He’d been round the front of my home cleaning the four steps and landing outside my front entrance. This is not in his cleaning contract, but was in need of a clean up.
Fo my heartfelt expression of praise for his skillful work and for the little extra payment I give him at this time of year he showed me his appreciation.
Truly “Love is reflected in love” S&H p17..