Giving Christmas Away

Not many things in life are more satisfying than giving to someone anonymously. Giving in this way is its own reward. Giving without any expectation of reward. Except that I do expect a return on the sowing of my seed "to the universe". Somehow the joy I receive just in giving is one part of the reward, yet, I am sure my own experience of Christmas each year is the more blessed because of it.


In South Africa (especially Johannesburg) many people close their businesses early in December and travel to other parts of the country (or the world) to spend Christmas with family. Which is possibly why these "Christmas events" happen during the month of November, whether Christmas parties for children, office Christmas lunches and so on. The rest of the world "does" Christmas only in December. Christmas displays are already everywhere in the shops in South Africa... and we don't mind. Personally I am happy to have Jesus' Christ's name in "Christ"mas displayed everywhere for longer. It's just great that He is remembered by everyone whether they consciously  it or recognise Him or not.

Each year, Acts of Love (click on the name to be directed to their Facebook page) arranges an event for children from local orphanages: a Christmas Fun Day where they are entertained and spoiled and  each child receives a wonderful gift. The gift is in the form of a Christmas Box filled with delights, treasures, perhaps a few practical items (toiletries and/or items for school), clothing, toys, sweets, ornaments, etc. The whole event is extremely well organised and the Acts Church members are invited (for a small fee). Of course the costs for the orphans/underprivileged children is provided/covered by the local congregation. Anyone wishing to provide one (or several) Christmas boxes one gets given a name, age, gender and "suggestion" list of what items to fill the box with. Last year I went shopping prayerfully, as if I knew the girl and found myself gravitating towards certain colour themes in the items bought. I am sure the Holy Spirit directed each purchase to give the girl more joy.

Acts of Love Christmas Box Project

If you would like to get involved, find a similar project in your area. If you live near Midrand, (Johannesburg, South Africa) get in touch with Acts of Love via their Facebook page. Here is a link to the Christmas Event this year: Acts of Love Christmas Fun Day. Or you could get hold of Acts of Love via the Acts of Love website. It is wonderful that although this ministry is linked to the Acts Christian Church the group has had the most amazing response from the local Midrand community of all faiths and cultures - Muslim, Hindu and Christian. It is a wonderful outreach project. In 2010 more than 800 Christmas Boxes were distributed by Acts of Love to children in local orphanages.