Why Give?

Children who needs the laughter we had...

It's common...Almost Christmas time--a time of shopping for Christmas gifts. Did you ever think about the children who do not receive gifts?

As we were encouraged in church to prepare a box of gifts for Operation Christmas Child project, I was reminded how blessed I am. I grew up in a family where I do not only receive gifts from family members but we together as a family receive year round blessings from different people God uses. One of the best things I learned from my parents is always looking to give something for the people in need. I have also seen the giving characteristic from many people I know and it gives joy to the heart to know this.

As a kid, I remember the excitement of anticipating what my mom or siblings would give me for Christmas but I did not know there are many kids out there who do not expect to receive anything all year round. They could be just going through the trash of other people to get a toy they could play with or just try to make their own out of scraps. We are blessed to be receiving gifts no matter how small or how large. I know I'm blessed because I had the chance of playing with toys as a kid.

What about those who live in the "Christmasless land" of Cambodia like these kids where Christmas is not celebrated or those who's living cannot afford even two meals a day. Enough thinking of what we would receive from our friends instead think of a way we could give to other kids who have little or no experience of the excitement of having gifts to open for Christmas. Imagine the laughter you would see in their eyes and their smiles. Imagine how important they must have felt because of one act of giving.

Come on! For once, make them feel the joy...The best gift you could receive this Christmas is to see these kids smile with gratitude. You do not have to go to Cambodia or other countries to do these you can look within your area for kids who live in the streets or in the slums.