“What
do my little darlings want for Christmas? Have they made a list? Let me know so
I can get them something special!” I can’t adequately describe the genuine love
and enthusiasm with which my mother, my children’s grandmother, asks this
question of me each year.
Grandma’s “little darlings” Haley &
Mandy, Christmas 2004
There’s a lot of discussion within our family about Christmas gift giving. We negotiate ceilings on spending and limits on the number of gifts each child should receive. Brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews and family friends – all are involved as we determine what and how much to give to one another at Christmas. Note: Grandmothers are the worst offenders when it comes to violating negotiated limits!
But it seems that every year the joy of giving overrides our negotiated limits and while the children appear to receive more than they need, the gift givers are the one’s who enjoy Christmas gift giving the most. From deep reservoirs of love, smiles overflow as the giver quietly but overwhelmingly receives the greatest gift, the joy of giving a loved one a gift desired and received.
There’s something that rings true within us when we remember what Dr. Luke recorded in the book of Acts, chapter 20, verse 35, the Apostle Paul’s encouraging words to the Ephesian church “…remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ “
Recently, a family of six in Northern Virginia demonstrated this Christ like attitude of giving. Here’s what they wrote to me, “Our family met and prayed together tonight, and each of us has decided to give a part of our Christmas present money to the My Father’s House children…so that they can have some gifts to open this year. We want them to know the message of 1 John 3:1 – “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (NIV) We’re all so excited to take part in blessing these children and sharing the abundance of Christ with them. Many thanks for the opportunity to join with you in giving to them.” A check for $630.00 followed.
Dixon & Clement Opening Christmas Shoeboxes, Zambia 2007
In Zambia, there are thousands of grandmother’s looking after tens of thousands of their “little darlings” this Christmas, orphans who’ve lost their parents to HIV/AIDS and related diseases.
Few are the family members who feel the need to negotiate Christmas spending and gift giving limits for their orphaned relatives. Instead, a grandmother tells me in desperation that she has sent her 11 grandchildren “out to the streets to look for food”. Another honestly expresses the reality of her situation, “I can’t take another mouth to feed.”
The orphans Christmas list is short, but not simple:
Food.
Shelter.
Safety.
Good
health.
Education.
Family.
Hope.
Love.
This Christmas, will you pray with your family and consider what you can give to help Every Orphan’s Hope deliver the gift of hope to an orphan? Maybe you’re the one who will help one of these “little darlings” receive something special.
Orphaned Girls in Kabwe, Zambia
Their Christmas list is simple. They need hope. They need Jesus. They need you.
You can give your best financial gift this Christmas on-line at Every Orphan’s Hope or mail your check to: Every Orphan’s Hope, 3245 W. Main Street, Suite 235/332, Frisco, TX 75034.
Merry Christmas!