You can find Christmas messages everywhere now. That's why I wanted to go in a little different direction. I wanted to give a different, but still very encouraging note for us to consider this Christmas season. A Christmas message, by the numbers.
On 'Black Friday', Americans spent 11.4 billion dollars in that one day. Add another 1.25 billion for 'Cyber Monday'. That's billion with a B, for just two days. Did anyone shop at American Eagle? American eagle CEO Robert Hanson will make roughly 8.9 million this year. I wonder how much of your purchase goes straight to his pocket?
Newt Gingrich raises $125,000 daily for his presidential campaign. Daily. House Republicans and Democrats have collected 100.8 million as of October for the coming elections. My point is that there is a lot of money out there.
So, let me ask a question. Why are 25% of the children in America living in poverty? 25%. One out of every four. Next time you see a group of kids getting on a bus, or playing in the play ground, count how many of them may go home and have nothing to eat. One, two, three, poor. One, two, three, poor.
Now, I didn't write this to make anyone feel bad. It was written to encourage you to give. God gave....His only Son....that we may have - joy, peace, forgiveness, happiness, eternal life.....
I want to encourage you to develop a giving spirit. It's a spirit in God's on image. Sometimes we want, but we may never receive. So, one may feel that God let them down. Or someone may believe in God, but not all that stuff about Jesus and abundance and what the Bible says. I want you know that God is who He says He is. And, that our God is a good, giving and loving God.
But remember- Christ says...."give, and it will be given to you." (Luke 6:27-38. the Rules of Christian living) You give, and then God gives to you. Maybe sometimes we never get, because we never give. e are not 'in tune' with God because we don't have a giving spirit. The spirit of God is a giving spirit.
Try it. It feels good to give. It's fun. Sometimes a little scary, but fun. I guess that's why we spend billions on presents to give to those we love. Only now, let's try giving to those in need. They may never know who gave to them, but the 'thank you' will come your God the creator.
Get to know God's generosity, through your generosity. Getting to know God will be the best relationship you will ever make. Try giving this season, it's the best way to experience Christ in Christmas.
