Called to Be Cheerful Givers
“The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic God’s giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves” (St. Nicholas).
Advent 2021: Responding to God’s Call and Growing in Community
This Advent, our leadership and writing teams are reflecting on the Visitation—Mary’s visit to St. Elizabeth while they were pregnant with Jesus and St. John the Baptist. Click here to read more.
On this feast day of St. Nicholas, December 6, here are some thoughts about how we can give the best Christmas gift of all.
The Gift of Hope
How do we give hope, that intangible soul-uplifting and life-altering connection to the divine that is as vital as oxygen?
We give hope when we share the Christmas story. When we freely act in love for others, we share the message of that fateful day more than two thousand years ago: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son” (John 3:16). Since then, that gift, hope born in the flesh, has inspired giving around the world among countless followers, including one bishop known to us as Saint Nicholas.
Be Like Saint Nick
Although it may seem difficult to duplicate the actions of many of the saints, we’ve got this one: We can successfully emulate St. Nicholas’ giving spirit and, in turn, share our God-given hope with others.
Here are some ideas to consider:
Drop off a poinsettia (or four) at an assisted living residence.
Send sparkle lights to a hospital with a note that reads, “Please use in a room where hope is needed.”
Greet the garbage truck driver curbside with a canned coffee or soda and a couple of holiday-themed cake pops. (Thanks to my friend Juls for this idea!)
Arrange a basket with a pack of Christmas cards, Christmas stickers, stamps, and packing tape for someone who works a lot in December to help minimize their holiday supply shopping and to-do list.
Bring individually wrapped chocolate Santas to the staff at the post office.
Deliver a snow globe to someone who works in an area without windows or in an intense customer service position.
Send a musical card to a less mobile friend who may not be able to see some of the holiday fanfare.
Prepare a goodie bag with a Christmas board book and holiday-themed headbands for a delivery driver with young children.
Let neighbors know when you plan to be in your driveway with Kringle pastry and a travel carafe of warm coffee.
Arrange individually wrapped candy canes in a common space such as a lobby, laundry room, or lunchroom.
Send mistletoe to a long-time married couple.
While next to the candy rack in the checkout line, ask a clerk for a recommended candy selection, and buy it for them.
Drop off battery-operated candles to moms who may miss having real candles at the holidays because they have toddlers.
Make old-fashioned paper chains, write the words “hope,” “faith,” “joy,” and “peace” on them, and drop them off at a senior day center.
Share a beautiful rendition of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” with ... everyone!
Even seemingly small acts can have great consequences. In any case, when each of us gives with joy and charity like St. Nicholas did, we spread the message of hope that was born in the Christmas story.
Cheerful Givers
God calls on us to be givers: “Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). This Advent season, inspired by St. Nicholas, we can be cheerful givers and share the best gift of all: hope.
Linda A. Burrows is an attorney specializing in trust and estate law in southern California. She studied journalism at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, law at Pepperdine, and is currently pursuing a masters in tax law at Georgetown. Linda is the founder of Soul Soda, a non-profit with the mission of refreshing faith in those, particularly Catholics, who are feeling disconnected from their religious roots. She is a wife and mother of three teens. Linda’s Confirmation name was that of St. Gabriel the Archangel.