A little over a decade ago, Jason Wright and his family wanted to do something for those less fortunate at Christmas. After bouncing some ideas around, they came up with a jar to collect loose change. As the holiday season approached, the contents inside this Christmas Jar would be given away to someone in need. When the money was donated in person, this left an last impression, inspiring the book A Christmas Jar.
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver, 2 Corinthians 9:7.
Ten years later, this simple tradition has spawned Christmas miracles. As empty jars are placed on kitchen tables in January, the Christmas spirit is no longer limited to one month. Rather, now families are emptying their pockets daily, thinking of others throughout the year. These amazing testimonies can be read at christmasjars.blogspot.com. Perhaps this book may inspire you to create your own Christmas tradition.
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you, Luke 6:38.
Prior to blogs, emails and texting, I spent several hours each week writing letters. As a poor college student, this was one of the few ways I could use my gift in an inexpensive way. At the peak of letter writing, I corresponded with 50 friends across the country. Beside replying to letters I received, I also reached out to those I hadn’t heard from, sometimes writing three times before receiving a letter in return. My Christmas miracle occurred when a letter came to a friend after a series of tragedies in her life. The Lord used my letter to touch her heart and comfort her soul. This is why its essential to extend a helping hand at Christmas because you never know the impact that one act of kindness can do to transform a life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 