"The Gift That Keeps on Giving" With Christmas soon approaching, the chaotic stampede of consumerism is in full swing.  Many dread the Christmas season because of the pressure to spend and give more than they can afford.  Even followers of Jesus Christ who know the “Reason for the season,” can be swept up in the busyness of the holiday and lose sight of what Christmas is: a time of reflection and celebration of the birth of the Messiah.  The last couple of years, I have overspent my budget (I have a large family with many nephews and nieces).  I have decided to do things differently this year.  For my youngest nephews, nieces, and my daughter, I will have something for them to unwrap.  Small children are not impressed with expensive gifts; they just want a few presents to tear into and unwrap.  Ever see a young child play more with the large box that contained the gift rather than the gift itself?  Aside from getting the youngest children gifts, I am giving the older kids, my brothers, and my parents home-made Christmas cookies (I have a wonderful recipe) and something else.  Although I consistently give to Christian relief organizations, I’ve decided to donate money in my relatives’ names.  Instead of receiving a shirt or a book or something that will be tossed aside and forgotten, they will learn that in their name a hungry child in Africa will be fed for 8 months, receiving the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ.  What a wonderful gift—a gift that feeds hungry stomachs as well as hungry hearts with the good news of salvation in Jesus—the eternal gift. Jesus said that it is more blessed to give than to receive.  Because we live in such a blessed and prosperous nation, relatively few Americans are in dire need.  Christmas gifts are to satisfy people’s “wants” rather than their “needs.”  Every Christian should teach their children about the blessedness of giving in the name of Jesus. Giving to those in need is the Gospel made visible. Listed beow are just a few of the Biblical promises that are ours if we care for the poor. “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?  When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?  Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’  And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me”  (Matthew: 25: 34-40). “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself” (Proverbs 11: 25). “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given” (Proverbs 19: 17). “He who has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor” (Proverbs 22:9). “Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.  The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed” (Psalms 41: 1-3). “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich” (Proverbs 28:6) “…God loves a cheerful giver”  (2 Corinthians 9:7).  Someone once said, “The poor need the rich so they don’t die in their need.  The rich need the poor so they don’t die in their greed.” If you’d like to make a donation in a loved one’s name and by so doing give to Jesus (Happy Birthday, Jesus!), here are a few suggestions of reputable charities that make a dollar go a very long way: “Life Today” (www.lifetoday.org    817-685-5000)  James and Betty Robison feed the poor and dig wells for poverty stricken villages worldwide, primarily in Africa.  The gospel is shared along with food, shelter, medical attention and clean water.  Ten dollars will feed one child for four months, an additional dollar will purchase a sturdy, heat-resistant bowl to receive the nourishing hot food. “The 700 Club” (www.cbn.com/700club/ )provides relief worldwide from famine and disasters.  They were the first to come to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and they are still there distributing food, clothing and a hot meal daily. Breakthrough Ministries (www.breakthrough.net ) feeds and redeems slaves in Sudan and feeds the poor in other African states. “Voice of the Martyrs” (www.persecution.com ) serves the persecuted Christian church worldwide, helping widows and children of martyred husbands and family members. Heifer International (www.heifer.org ) does not share the gospel, but effectively relieves poverty by sending livestock, rabbits, bees, etc, as well as the training in their management, to impoverished families for a continued source of income and food. Make Jesus the center of your celebration this year, and give the gift that gives back to you for eternity. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord…he has given abroad, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever, his horn will be exalted forever” (Psalm 112: 1, 9). For all the Power in Praise articles you may visit us on the web at www.thepraisechurch.com