By I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)
One Christmas song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” What makes the Christmas season so special? Is it the lights, tinsel, and Christmas trees? No, it is special because it is the season of giving.
When I was a child, I rarely had money to buy presents for anyone at Christmas. I do remember one year that I was given money to do just that. With Mom, Dad, three older brothers, three older sisters, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, I couldn’t buy very much. However, I was so happy to be able to do it! A few scarfs, pairs of socks and packages of handkerchiefs later – I thought I had spent a fortune. It was the best Christmas of my childhood days. The blessing was in the giving.
After all, isn’t giving what our Heavenly Father did for us when He sent Jesus to be born in a manger, to die on a cross, and be resurrected from a tomb? Did you know there was a blessing for our Savior when he gave His life for us? Isaiah 53:11 says, “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied; by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.” Jesus gave us the gifts of forgiveness, salvation, and opportunity to really know God. It cost Him more than a few dollars; it cost Him His life. He was pleased to unselfishly give those gifts.
During this season, you may be inclined to give extra to your church, a charity or an individual in need. You will give gifts to family and friends as you do every year. Enjoy the giving! Also, take time to remember that God started this season of giving.
Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.
Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter — Breanna.
Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.
by leaps and bounds 