For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have - 2 Corinthians 8:12
Christmas can be a time of wonder and joy for many people. In the time of the holiday spirit, we can often forget about what Christmas truly means. The commercialization of the Christmas season has taken the meaning farther from family and giving, and more towards materialistic values. Even those who do keep the true meaning of Christmas close to their heart can be troubled with another factor: how much they are able to give.
We are told throughout our lifetime that giving is a good thing, but some cannot afford to do so. During the Christmas season people can feel pressured to give more than usual, under the facade of love and the time of giving. It is important to not judge by what is given, but the spirit in which it is given. You can link it to the true meaning of Christmas: letting Christ live through you.
Jesus gave to others with what he had. He fed, healed, and prayed with people. He gave people what they needed, which is the spirit of God. In the celebration of his birth we forget what Christmas truly means, and pressure those with less to suffer under holiday burden to give more. We stray from Christ and give more - without good intentions.
As long as we give to others with passion and love, it does not matter as to what we did not give, but to what we did. Giving in the spirit of Christ is the greatest thing we can do during the season, and it matters not what you do give, but in the spirit in which you give it.
By: Cassandra Nelson