Earlier this week someone walked into a local Cracker Barrel and randomly paid for every person’s meal. The act of kindness wasn’t a life-changing event for most of the people in the restuarant but it certainly did spread Christmas cheer. Conversations about generosity and giving could be heard all over the building. I’m pretty sure the message eventually spread to other family members and co-workers. That’s how generosity works, it can’t really be contained in four walls.
2 Corinthians 9:7 teaches us that “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under complusion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Today I asked The Unstuck Group to share 7 practical ways to make a difference before Christmas. Here is what they came up with:
- Bake Christmas cookies or treats for someone who is going through a difficult time.
- Send an encouraging letter or card to a family member who needs to know how much you appreciate them.
- Give unwanted toys and clothes to a local homeless shelter or to someone in need.
- Leave an extraordinary tip the next time you eat at a restuarant.
- Give something back to people who have given to you all year long. (fireman, school teacher, garbage collector, etc.)
- Pay for the person behind you in the Starbucks or fast food line.
- Visit a hospital or nursing home.
Most of these ideas will not only spread Christmas cheer to others, they will also help you be more grateful for what God has done in your life.
In case you missed it, here is a recent article on how churches can get unstuck at Christmas. Definitely worth reading!