The phone rings... can you give to... (hang up), on the street corner... can you spare some... (walk quickly), you get some snail mail... can you give to... (trash pile)... pop up on a webpage... you can make a difference (ignore). Yeah, someone else can make the difference. What difference can I make, I'm just an insignificant person. Surely, someone more important, smarter, richer, prettier, taller than me can make the difference. And there are all these con artists, how much money is made through commissions, administration. And I am so poor, I need the money for x, y, z. REALLY? These are all just excuses. 

Christmas is a time for giving, it's my favourite time of year. Bring on the donation envelopes (- remember in AU every donation over $2 is tax deductible, so effectively, the government is also chipping in on donations, make your dollar go further when there are matched donations), bring on the pledge drives!

I'm all into gift giving too, this year, I have spent several weeks working on gifts, cards and surprises for family and friends. It's a fantastic opportunity to show people that you care and appreciate them. All my hard work is worth it, if a smile comes over their faces. 

BUT, what good is it if we only give gifts to those we love and who love us back? Jesus Christ, God, became flesh for one reason. To come and save us, sinners, we, who have rejected him! So here's the challenge, can we go and love those who hate us? or will never know who we are? GO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Matthew 6

 ¹ “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.