Gifts

It was Christmas Eve in the vicarage of our new parish and there was no space in our goody-filled fridge to store the enormous half-thawed turkey. There were hordes of family members descending on us for Christmas lunch. “Let's put it in the garage,” we thought, “it'll be cool enough there.”

The next day, I headed off to do the early Christmas service. My wife arrived for the next service looking distressed. “Something has gnawed off part of the turkey! We've got all these people coming, what shall we do?” But the service was starting, I was leading and she was in the music group.

After the service, we headed home wondering what to do. There was a ring at the doorbell. A lovely lady from church stood there with a small chicken...it was a spare she had. It was a lovely act of generosity...but it'd never feed everyone. In a panic, I said I'd try to find an open . As if a shop selling turkeys would be open on Christmas Day morning!

After a frantic hour of driving, I arrived home empty-handed. “What do we do, we pondered.” Then came another ring at the door. Another couple from church. But in their hands, a massive freshly cooked turkey crown, hot and ready to eat. It was as if they were about to sit down to eat their own Christmas lunch, but instead jumped in the car, drove to our house, and presented it to us, despite our protests! I've never forgotten that extraordinary sacrificial generosity. I've no idea what they had for Christmas lunch that day.

What small act of sacrificial generosity might make all the difference to someone today? Today’s challenges are all about being prepared for spontaneous generosity.

Prayer:

Pray for a heart ready to respond to spontaneous opportunities for generosity, trusting that God can use even small sacrifices to make a big impact. Ask for eyes to see where others are in need and the courage to act, even when it’s inconvenient.

Take a 40acts challenge today:

1. Think of ways that you can compliment and thank people the next time you’re with them. Write these down and carry them in your pocket.
2. Throw a packet of tissues in your bag so that you have one on hand the next time someone needs one.
3. Collect spare coins around the house or add a note to your wallet to give to someone in need along your path.