3rd Sunday of Advent

Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-13

If you are really eager to give, then it isn't important how much you have to give. God wants you to give what you have, not what you haven't. 2 Corinthians 8:12 (TLB)

Caroline Trivena Manurung lives in North Sunatra, Indonesia. She once participated in children's ministry at a church in an impoverished community. As Christmas approached, a colleague announced that the church would host a celebration and invite children from a local orphanage. Since the children in the church were in need themselves, Caroline didn't expect them to offer anything to the children from the orphanage.

On the eve of the Christmas celebration, Caroline was surprised to see the children bringing gifts to church. It turned out that in early December, the children had worked together to collect discarded water bottles. They used the proceeds they received from recycling the bottles to buy gifts which they presented to the children from the orphange. Their children opened Caroline's mind because they succeeded in doing what the verse above states. Even though their children were living in poverty, they gave what they had to the children in the orphanage to show their love and care.

It is easy to feel burdened by difficult circumstances and think, Why should I give while I an still lacking? However, God gives us the strength and the ability to do God's will. We can all offer something to help the children of God.

Prayer: O Lord, give us the strength and ability to do good for our neighbors, in Jesus' name. Amen.