31 Days to Christmas Day 27: The Christmas Meal

Christmas traditions vary widely throughout the world, but one thing we have in common is that we all enjoy a feast on Christmas day.  My family has always had a ham (despite my dad pushing for bbq chicken, steak, or ribs), rolls, casserolles, and a wide variety of desserts.  Others may have turkey, duck, or lamb.  Christmas dinner is always something to be looked forward to with great anticipation.

I know this is going to sound cliche, but I think it's important to mention anyway.  There are many people who will not enjoy a Christmas meal this year.  Whether they can't afford it or just don't have the family around them, they may not have that opportunity.  There are little things we can each do to help solve this problem.  I always try to donate to Salvation Army this time of year.  It's so convenient to just pull out some change on my way in or out of a store and drop it in a bucket.  But think a little deeper.  Do you have a friend or co-worker who will be alone on Christmas?  Could you invite them to join your family?  Usually, there are so many people at Christmas dinner that one more wouldn't be a burden and there's so much food that it'd probably be good to have an extra mouth to share it with.

So think about what you can do this Christmas.  Enjoy your meal, but try to help someone else enjoy theirs as well.

2 Corinthians 9:5-7

Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, where of ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.  But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.