Cheerful vs Charity?

Our Bible says, ‘The Lord loves a cheerful giver…’

Now, many of course presume to take this simply as one’s tithing to their choice of place of worship, etc…But, what about at Christmas? While we are all frantically trying to beat the clock ticking ever faster towards the 25th, what motivates us? What reactions there will be for those we have given gifts to? Or perhaps there is some latent feelings of obligation, towards perhaps an estranged friend, or even a family member?

Yes, most of us North Americans pretty well take it for granted, that someone will give us at least one present…The ‘Occupy’ Movement, that started out as a plea for changes for better distributions of wealth among the proverbial have-nots, was indeed a noble, worthy cause; but like it, has the very celebration of ‘Christmas’ gotten bogged down and over crowded with so many add-ons and tales and myths, been lost for its original intended celebration?

As I type this, there are literally hundreds all over this world of ours, dying of starvation, malnutrition, or revolts, protests and wars…But, I wish to not bring pessimism to this always Festive Season, but rather, maybe a little message of hope and peace…Earlier Blogs of mine have referenced ideals for what one person can do, to make effective and notable changes within our society…far too often, we shrug, reassure ourselves that ‘someone else’ can rise to the challenge and cause of shining even a glimmer of light into someone else’s darkened world…

But, what if we ALL thought and felt that way? Well, sadly, BECAUSE so much IS happening internationally, it is far too painfully obvious, that so much more is needed to be done and accomplished. When is the last time you happened upon someone begging for some spare change? And then lowered your eyes, stepping up your pace just a little faster to avoid their out-stretched hand? One person connecting with one other person…that all it takes really…

Jesus when on Earth knew that for thousands of years to come, said the declaration, “The poor will be among you always…” Yep, someone elses problem, if they only just got a job, well, then all their problems would be solved, right? Well, perhaps a much smaller degree of noticing this in Canada than in the USA, there ARE the poor and destitute among us today…If we will even look back over the past few years, what with recessions, etc, thousands…think about that, THOUSANDS of people who had good paying careers, are now unemployed, and yes, homeless…

We ‘sheltered Canadians’ are somewhat well off for the most part…but, even more so, what would some spare change a month do? What would you like it to do? What could you do with it tomorrow…or even today?

I wish for one and all, a truly Very Merry Christmas, and a Joyous, Hopeful 2012…

Just…Thoughts…