There is no time in the Christian calendar when we are more focused on giving than this time of year. Advent and the Christmas season that follows are filled with messages about giving, even among those outside of the Church. 

Indeed, the gifts we give to others are in celebration of the great Gift God has given to all humankind: the gift of His Son Jesus Christ! For Christians, giving is more than a once-a-year event.  It is also more than a simple remembrance of the past.  It is a lifestyle.  It is so much a part of what we as Christians consider “normal” that we practice consistent giving as a part of our weekly worship.

In a sermon John Wesley preached in 1789 (toward the end of his life), he expressed concerns about the future of the Methodism he helped found (and of which we as Nazarenes are heirs).  He notes that “true scriptural Christianity” has a tendency to “undermine and destroy itself,” partly because it helps us to become more diligent and frugal. 

Wesley goes on to say that these two things naturally produce riches – at least some sort of financial comfort.  These new riches, resulting from living a disciplined and faithful Christian life, can move us toward what Wesley describes as “pride, love of the world, and every temper destructive of Christianity.”

What remedy does Wesley propose to help us prevent the good frugality and diligence that Christianity produces from being destructive? Giving!

In Wesley’s own words, we see this solution: “If those who ‘gain all they can,’ and ‘save all they can,’ will likewise ‘give all they can,’ then, the more they gain, the more they will grow in grace, and the more treasure they will lay up in heaven.” *

As we journey through the expectation of Advent and move toward the glorious celebration of the giving God who consistently gives us His Son by His Spirit, may the good we receive through God’s gracious blessings pass through us as we more intentionally become people who give.

Prayer for the Week:

God of great wonders, 
we join with you in the joy of this season of giving,
You gave us a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
You give us life and breath, 
you fill the world with beauty,
our hands with bounty, 
and our hearts with the desire to give.
Accept these gifts, 
and ourselves in service always,
in every season. Amen.  (from Carol Penner)

*Helpful insights on Wesley’s sermon can be found in Theodore W. Jennings, Jr.’s chapter, “Good News to the Poor in the Wesleyan Heritage,” in James C. Logan, ed., Theology and Evangelism in the Wesleyan Heritage (Kingswood Books, 1994).

Charles W. Christian is managing editor of Holiness Today. 

Written for devotions with Holiness Today.

Please note: All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of original publication but may have since changed.