Holiday Hope: Finding Peace and Purpose This Christmas - Week 3: Giving and Serving with a Generous Heart

As we enter the final week of our Holiday Hope series, I’m excited to reflect on a theme that is at the heart of the Christmas season: giving and serving with a generous heart. Week 3 invites us to look beyond the hustle and bustle of the holidays and consider how we can spread Christ’s love by giving of ourselves. In this blog, I’ll share reflections and personal thoughts on how we have served others this Christmas—whether that’s through financial giving, volunteering, or offering time and energy.

The True Meaning of Giving

Christmas is not just a time of receiving; it’s a time to reflect on the ultimate gift that we received—Jesus Christ. His willingness to give everything for us is the perfect example of how we are called to serve others with a generous heart. As we examine the Christmas season, it’s crucial to remember that our giving doesn’t have to be measured by grand gestures or monetary value—it’s the thought, intention, and love behind the act that matters most.

The Bible speaks to this in 2 Corinthians 9:7, which says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This verse reminds us that giving should come from the heart, whether it’s in the form of financial contributions, acts of kindness, or serving our community.

Reflecting on My Own Journey of Giving

As a mom and entrepreneur, I’ve often found myself feeling stretched thin—balancing the demands of family, work, and daily life, all while desiring to serve others. But this season, I’ve made a conscious effort to reflect on how I can give and serve in ways that truly mirror the heart of Christmas: giving, not out of obligation, but out of love and compassion.

One way I’ve focused on giving this season is through volunteering my time. Whether it's helping out at local shelters, food banks, supporting church events, or simply taking time to visit those who may need some extra care or attention, I’ve made it a priority to be available for those around me. Serving doesn’t always have to involve grand gestures—it’s often the small, consistent acts that have the biggest impact. The simple things, like being present and showing up when needed, are often what truly reflects the spirit of Christ in us.

Another form of giving I’ve embraced this holiday season is through financial contributions. I’ve always believed in supporting causes that matter, whether it’s donating to charities I believe in, contributing to my church’s mission, or directly blessing a family in need. This reminder has been so important to me: Every dollar spent in love has the potential to make someone’s Christmas brighter, and I want to be a part of that.

One experience that stands out this season happened when my daughter decided she wanted to give back to the children at the local shelter where we volunteer. She took the time to write personalized faith cards for each child, wishing them a Merry Christmas and adding stickers as a special touch. Though we didn’t have an abundance of financial resources to give this month, I wanted to make sure these children knew they were loved. So, we bought hot cocoa and cups, putting together small packages to drop off for the kids. This may have been a simple gesture, but it’s one that made a difference.

What made it even more special was that my daughter took the lead. She was the one who assembled the gifts, and in doing so, she learned a valuable lesson in giving back. It’s powerful to see how she’s starting to understand that giving isn’t always about money—it’s about sharing love, light, and joy with others. By serving together, she’s not only growing closer to Jesus, but also learning the importance of serving those who may not have as much.

This experience reminded me that true giving isn’t about the size of the gift—it’s about the heart behind it. And through these small acts of kindness, we are teaching the next generation the beauty of a generous heart.

How You Can Give and Serve with a Generous Heart

As you reflect on this week’s theme, I encourage you to think about how you can give and serve others during this season of joy. Whether it’s offering your time, talents, or finances, each act of generosity is a way to show the love of Christ in tangible ways. Here are some ideas for how you can serve others:

1. Give of your time:

   • Volunteer at a local shelter or food pantry.
   • Offer help to elderly neighbors with grocery shopping or holiday preparations.
   • Spend quality time with a friend or family member who is going through a difficult time.

2. Give of your talents:

   • Share your skills, whether it's baking, crafting, or organizing, with others who may need support.
   • Host a holiday gathering to lift spirits and bring people together.
   • Use your platform—whether social media, your blog, or your business—to spread messages of hope and encouragement.

3. Give of your finances:

   • Donate to causes close to your heart, whether it’s a charity, church mission, or a GoFundMe for someone in need.
   • Buy gifts for those who are less fortunate or contribute to gift drives for children.
   • Bless a family or individual who may be struggling this holiday season.

Reflecting on the Joy of Giving

I want to challenge you to look beyond the material aspects of Christmas this year. As we celebrate Christ’s birth, let’s remember the joy that comes from giving with a generous heart. It’s about looking for ways to serve others and show up for them, even when it’s inconvenient or requires sacrifice. The more we serve others, the more we grow in love and understanding, and the more we reflect Christ’s light to the world around us.

Final Thoughts

In this season of giving, may we all be reminded that it’s not about how much we have, but how much we are willing to give from the heart. Whether it’s time, talent, or treasure, each of us has the ability to make a difference. Let’s serve with a joyful heart, knowing that each act of kindness not only changes someone else’s life but also draws us closer to the heart of God.

If this Holiday Hope series has inspired you, resonated with you, or if you feel called to give back, we are accepting free-will donations. 10% of all donations will go directly to our local church, which has supported us in growing our faith and providing this opportunity to share with others. Your contributions will help continue spreading hope, generosity, and the message of Christ’s love in our community. Click Here to donate. 

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we can make this Christmas season and the year ahead truly impactful.