These days, it can be hard to find honest, sincere, overflow from the heart generosity. It doesn’t seem to be frequent. It is hardly publicized. It rarely draws attention or gets credit. As often is the case, because it is not “seen” or “witnessed” or “directly felt,” some don’t belive it happens. Some are even skeptical. I suppose that is to be expected to a large degree. You see, the enemy doesn’t want people to think generosity is a lifestyle. Rather, he would like to confuse everyone into thinking they have to be inward-focused and self-serving in order to survive. From the looks of it, the enemy seems to be expanding that concept and idea in our culture. Yet, it doesn’t remove or eliminate the fact that the people of God, yes, God’s children, are sewing seeds by being lovingly and compassionately generous this Advent & Christmas Season. It is alive and well — I tell you!
Many people and many church bodies spread seeds of hope, joy, and love during December. Let’s go beyond that and say that many continue to do this year round. Whether it be feeding the hungry or helping the poor, whether it is paying a utility bill for a family or delivering gifts to the less fortunate – acts such as these happen every month of the year. Yes, it is often magnified during December, but I submit that most of that is just because we can be a little more sensitive and attentive during Christmas. Perhaps eyes and ears are a little more open?
Whatever the case may be, the thesis and purpose behind all the help, all the food, all the giving, and all the compassion must be love. Not a love the world sells or tries to portray — the love of God, which has been poured out through the sending of His Son and flamed out through the fire of His Spirit, Who remains with us and Who is here now. If this love (agape) is not the center, nothing else matters. You can certainly read more about this love in John 1 and in 1 Cor. 13. What an amazing love God has for you and for me! A love that in all transparency cannot be explained or understood, but is received in unwavering faith and with life transforming conviction.
Today, on Wednesday, December 21, I may have seen and witnessed one of the most generous acts of love and generosity I have ever seen. I was not the giver or the receiver, but I was blessed to be in a position to witness it firsthand. I want you to know that it was profound; something I will not soon forget. I am grateful to God for His provision in simply allowing me to be present as it was shared and celebrated. So why am I even mentioning this? I want you to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that generosity is alive and well in God’s world today! And the extreme act of generosity is this: God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world, not to condemn it, but so that whoever would believe in His Name and in His Lordship, would be saved! This is how much He loved us! Read John 3:16-17. His generosity is still available and poured out today. Could there ever be a better gift? If not, have you received Him?
If you want to know how this can be your greatest Christmas yet, let me know. Call me, email me, see me tonight at service. It is His gift and He has given it, I am just here as a friend to support you and help you if you have any questions.
Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Pastor Porter
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