Top 5 Reasons for Giving at Christmas

There are all kinds of motivations for giving or providing acts of service directed toward hurting and lost people during December. Some motivations are not as good as others. Here are some motivations I believe are in line with biblical teaching and the true meaning of Christmas:

5 -  To acknowledge that my primary family is the family of God. Giving to a Christian cause or mission reminds me and my family that Christmas is about Jesus, His glory and His mission. It is not primarily about my family and friends (Lk. 2:46 and Mt. 22:37).

4 -  To illustrate that Christmas is about eternity. I am constantly tempted to be materialistic. In giving sacrificially I demonstrate my belief that this world is not my home. Everything I see is temporary – including our Christmas tree and the gifts under it. Three things are eternal: God, the glory of heaven and the mass of people who have joined God’s eternal family (Jn. 14:1-3; Rev. 21:1-7).

3 -  To demonstrate the servant love of Jesus by providing some relief to the physical pain or life struggles of people. God calls for this type love in places like James 2, a passage that explains authentic “religion” as belief in God that moves us to serve the poor and hurting.

2 -  To communicate the love of God that I have experienced the love of God with people who have not yet heard the message of Christmas. Motivated by a desire to honor God, the shepherds (Lk. 2) told others about the coming of God’s Messiah.

1 -  To celebrate the birth, life and ministry of the Savior of the world. Motivated by a desire to honor and encounter God, the wise men (Mt. 2) went to great lengths to bring precious gifts to the Messiah.

What are some other good and biblical reasons for giving during December… or any other time?

Other related posts –
Top 6 Not-so-Good Reasons to Give
Remember the Most Poor
How to Give Like a Wise Man