All Hands, All Hearts, All In

During the holidays it’s easy to focus on what can be bought, wrapped, and placed under a tree. Yet the moments that stay with us often come from gifts that cost nothing at all—a neighbor shoveling a snowy sidewalk, a friend sitting quietly beside us in our grief, or a stranger offering directions with a smile. These are the treasures of generosity that enrich both giver and receiver, reminding us that true giving is found in presence, kindness, and care.

This spirit of giving has always been central to the Christmas story itself. From the very beginning the Nativity was about God’s offering the ultimate gift of His Son. Paul reminded the Corinthians of this same truth: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15). Out of that abundance we are invited to live generously too. As Hebrews 13:16 reminds us: “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Deuteronomy 16:17 echoes the same: “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you.”

That kind of giving stretches far beyond holiday shopping lists or festive traditions. It flows into organizations that bring relief and hope—such as ADRA, Maranatha Volunteers International, and the Red Cross. It supports schools, after-school programs, and youth leadership groups shaping the next generation. It sustains the church, both local and global, where mission thrives because members faithfully share what they can. As one Division describes,offerings are like being poured into a river—flowing outward to bless the world.[*]

The measure of that generosity is not about size. Jesus made this clear in Mark 12 when He praised the poor widow who gave only two coins, declaring her gift greater than all others because she gave out of her whole heart.

But generosity is never just about money.

Portraits of Generosity

In Luke 9:3 Jesus sends His disciples to minister to the people, saying they should “take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece.” And they do so eagerly, giving not money to Jesus, but their time, their energy, and their willingness to give up everything they own to do what He calls them to do.

Communities thrive when many bring what they can—dollars, skills, energy, advocacy, or simple presence. 

Later, in Luke 10, we hear a story from Jesus about a man who does something completely outside the cultural realm of acceptability and helps someone who should be his enemy. The stranger is dying, and the good Samaritan not only tends to his wounds but picks him up, takes him to the nearest inn, and pays for someone there to nurse him until he is healed—the epitome of compassion.

In Acts 9:36-42 we read about Dorcas (or Tabitha), whom we understand to have dedicated her life to making clothes for the poor in her community. When she died, Peter was bombarded with stories from grieving local women who wanted to be sure Dorcas’ kindness was noted. In her lifetime Dorcas gave of her material resources and her talents in service to God, and her quiet efforts meant the world to many.

The Bible is filled with similar portraits: Bezalel and Aholiab, who used their craftsmanship to build beauty into God’s sanctuary (Ex. 31); Ruth, who gave loyalty (Ruth 1); and Boaz, who offered protection (Ruth 2-4). Each example reveals a different face of generosity: courage, compassion, influence, creativity, presence, and leadership.

And that’s the point. No single person can sustain an organization financially or otherwise. Communities thrive when many bring what they can—dollars, skills, energy, advocacy, or simple presence. All are spiritual gifts, entrusted to us by a God who values diversity and collaboration, and all are needed for His work to flourish.

In our modern everyday lives this can look like:

• Volunteering to run sound or slides for the church service.

• Helping with church or school cleaning, landscaping, or maintenance.

• Offering an elderly neighbor rides to appointments or errands.

• Helping your children (or others at the school!) with homework or projects.

• Offering someone your undivided attention.

• Donating blood or registering as an organ donor.

• Serving on boards or committees.

• Teaching Sabbath School.

• Bringing someone a home-cooked meal or fresh-baked cookies.

• Coaching youth sports.

• Offering professional services, such as legal, design, plumbing, or communication.

• Leading ministries.

Christmastime or not, generosity is bigger than money. It’s about offering whatever God has placed in our hands to strengthen families, neighbors, churches, and communities.

Poet Christina Rossetti captured this truth in 1871 when she wrote what would become the beloved hymn “In the Bleak Midwinter.” Imagining herself at the manger, she asked what she could possibly give to Christ. Her conclusion was as profound as it was simple:

“If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.”

Generosity, after all, is not measured only in dollars, but in the willingness to give of ourselves.

[*] North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, “Tithes & Offerings,” NAD Stewardship, 2020, https://www.nadstewardship.org/tithes-offerings/, accessed Oct. 19, 2020.