Christmas Giving

Christmas giving, as explained by Portia in Shakespeare’s play “The Merchant of Venice,” highlights the nature of mercy and kindness. “The quality of mercy is not strained, it droppeth like a gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath, it is twice blessed, it blessed him that gives and him that takes. It is the mightiest in the mightiest, it is an attribute of God himself” (Act 4, Scene 1).

Indeed, it is better to give than to receive. Your guardian angel rejoices when you help those in need. Give generously, even if it strains your wallet. Earthly thinking says, “I’ll have less for my family.” Heaven’s perspective is that giving stores treasures and blessings.

The prophet Elijah’s encounter with a poor widow during Israel’s drought and famine illustrates this principle (1 Kings 17:10-16). Despite her scarcity, she shared her last flour and oil with Elijah, trusting God’s promise. Miraculously, her jars remained full for a year.

Jesus emphasized generosity in Mark 12:38-44. Watching people donate to the temple, He noted that a poor widow’s two small coins surpassed the rich contributors’ gifts. “She has given more…from her poverty, her whole livelihood.”

There are two kinds of Christmas givers:

1. Lalom og bulsa, mubo ang kamot (selfish): Focused on personal gain, hands closed.
2. Igo-igo lang ang bulsa, apan taas ang kamot (generous): Willing to give, hands open.

Which kind of giver are you?