The other day I was walking through the grocery store, when my eyes caught a new display.
Christmas had arrived!
Wrapping paper, ribbons, boxes & bows, Christmas cards and Christmas candies were on display. Standing there (still wearing my summer sandals) I was shocked into the reality that the holidays are just around the corner.
By the time you are reading this article, it will be November and Christmas will be everywhere! It will be time to start planning, shopping, and even decorating for the most wonderful time of the year---the holiday season.
Unfortunately, this time of year is not the most wonderful time of year for many single Moms’ in today’s world. It’s not that they don’t love the decorations, the festivities, the parties, and the gifts, but that all of these things come at a cost. Because of their limited incomes, for these women the holidays are often the most stressful time of the year. Granted, there are some single Moms who have a very good income; however, the majority do not.
That’s why this year as you are planning your Christmas celebration; I’d like to encourage you to prayerfully consider adopting a single Mom and her kids for the holidays. You wouldn’t necessarily have to invite them over to spend the holidays at your home (although that might be nice if circumstances allow). By “adopt a family” I’m encouraging you to ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you could make a single mom’s Christmas easier by giving her some gift cards to help purchase gifts for her children, buying some groceries or giving a gift card to a grocery store to help her purchase some extra special treats for the holidays, or even purchasing a gift for a single Mom (who may not be getting anything.)
Do you want to make it really special?
Give the gifts anonymously.
Matthew 6:3-4 says, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, Who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Instead of giving the gifts in a way where you receive all of the appreciation and praise, find a way to give your gift anonymously so that all of the praise and thanks goes to God. When you do this, you’re giving more than just physical treasures---you’re also giving a woman and her kids the reassurance that God is with them. He is present in their situation, taking care of them, loving them, and providing all of their needs. You’ll literally be demonstrating to hurting boys and girls that even though their father may have abandoned or forsaken them, God did not. (Isaiah 49:15-16)
Who knows what eternal rewards that will reap in the heart of a child?
Who knows what encouragement and hope your anonymous gift could bring to a weary Mom?
You would be amazed what our great God can do with the gifts that we give.
How do I know?
I’ve heard stories from Single Moms who have received surprised blessings from anonymous givers---usually just the right amount or gift at just the right time. These gifts made their holidays! As you talk to these Moms, you hear that it wasn’t just the gift itself that made their holiday special, but the fact that the gift was a physical demonstration that God is very present in their situation.
James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
Personally, I have never been a single Mom. I’ve never had to face the stress trying to provide Christmas for my children on a super-tight budget. I’ve never had to explain to little ones that Christmas may not be what they expect this year. However, as I read this Scripture, I’m led to believe that as a child of God and an ambassador of His love, it’s my responsibility to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead and do something to help the women who are in this situation. I need to be praying about how I can be the hands and feet of Jesus reaching into the lives of the orphans and widows of our modern culture---including those who have been abandoned by fathers and husbands.
That’s why this year, our family will be looking for ways to bless another family over the holidays. We’ll put it in our holiday budget, and “adopt a family” of our own. Just like it’s become a tradition at our house, I hope this article challenges you to think outside of your own four walls and ask the Holy Spirit who you could bless this Christmas. Don’t let another season of giving go by without reaching out and helping those among us who really are in need.
Here’s a suggestion: Unless you’re delivering wrapped presents, plan to give your gift early. I’d suggest late November or early December.
The earlier you give the gift, the less stressful you’ll make another woman’s holiday. Think about it: After we eat our Thanksgiving feast, that weekend many of us will be heading off to the mall to scoop up all of our bargains. You’ll take advantage of the sales throughout December and have a plan for what you’re going to buy everyone on your list.
Wouldn’t it be great if a single Mom received your gift in late November or early December so that she had the same opportunities? Not only would it help her create a plan and take advantage of sales, but it would relieve the financial stress she would normally endure throughout the season, allowing her to relax and enjoy the holidays with her kids.
You see, when you give a gift to a single Mom over the holidays, you’re giving so much more than money. You’re giving hope, boosting their faith, relieving their stress, and giving them the opportunity to enjoy the wonder of the season.
Don’t forget: whenever given the chance, give anonymously---knowing that God sees what you’ve done, and He’s really the only One Who matters. After all, it’s His birthday we’re celebrating. When we give to a single Mom and her children or anyone in need, we’re really giving a gift to Him.
Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.’”
The holidays are here---are you ready to enjoy the season of giving?
