By Chuck Davis
One of the traditions of Christmas is gift giving. We can easily see how this has theological underpinnings. At the core of Christmas celebration is the GIVING nature of God.
God the Father gives . . . “God so loved the world he gave his son . . .” (John 3:16)
God the Son gives . . . “the Son of Man came . . to give his life . . .” (Mark 10:45).
God the Spirit is the perpetual gift . . . “how much more will the heavenly Father give the
Holy Spirit to those who ask him” (Luke 11:13).
God has existed from eternity in a continuous act of giving. It has been called the Trinitarian dance; Father, Son, and Spirit, finding ways to give and out give one another. Because God has unlimited resource in himself, there is no hesitation in his giving.
We should not be surprised then, as human beings created in his image, we are most alive when we are giving. Case in point – look around your living room when gifts are opened this Hannukah or Christmas, and you will see that the biggest smiles go to the gift givers as they watch the gift receivers open their bounty.
Thus, the echo of Jesus’ words as quoted by the apostle Paul, “it is more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35).
There have been several studies done in recent years about the benefits of giving. The research overwhelming points to the personal benefits of giving. Living generously leads to health in body and soul. Some research even suggests that an attitude of giving leads to a longer life.
There was an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal a few years ago that captured this sentiment in relation to financial giving to charity. The authors wrote:
“We often assume giving money away is a choice between our happiness and the happiness of others. But this research is a reminder that generosity is much better than that: we are built so that giving also feels good. When we donate to a cause that we believe in, everybody wins.”
Then this conclusion:
“We should donate more to our favorite charities if we want to improve the world, but also if we want to improve our mood.”
Now there are some better reasons to give of our financial blessing than improving our mood, especially in the context of our ongoing relationship with God – worship, obedience, and liberation from false gods. However, it is interesting that research is pointing to the positive and practical returns on a life of generosity. This seems to flow logically with the assertion of the way of Blessing found in the Bible.
When Yahweh commissioned Abram (Abraham), he blessed the patriarch of faith with a mission. God was blessing him to be a blessing to others.
God was giving him a renewed sense of purpose. That purpose began with receiving the blessing of God. However, blessing was not to be hoarded by Abram for self, family, or even his own people. Blessing was to pour into Abraham, and through Abraham, to the nations.
And so, we are all charged by God – Blessed to be a Blessing!
My blessing for you as you move into the Christmas giving season is a blessing of open hands. And each time you give, may your heart smile real big.
Bless the Lord! Be blessed by the Lord! And pass the blessing on!
The Rev. Dr. Chuck Davis is the Transitional co-Lead Pastor at Stanwich Church. Chuck is also the founder of Global Lead and the President of Global Leadership Inc. To learn more about Chuck go to GlobalLead.org
