GIVING During the Holiday: Don't Let Bad Times Ruin Your Holiday!

By Em Fergusson

It's been a challenging year for all of us. Some have lost their jobs, others have cut back by necessity and those of us blessed to have gotten raises this year and extra money, feel a sense of guilt. But this is Christmas, the only time of the year we celebrate the birth of Christ. So we need to focus on inviting Him into our hearts and lives and prepare for the New Year with eager anticipation. If you've been running amok this week, preparing for Christmas and attempting to shield your apprehension about small details at bay, you're not alone.

These days, stories of doom and gloom are everywhere and it's difficult not to be caught up in what it taking place around us, especially if it's happening on a personal level. But in John 14:27, Jesus says: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." The peace that Jesus speaks of comes from knowing he is with us and will always be. When hard times come along, God expects us to turn to him and trust him for the future. Christmas is upon us and this is the time to think about giving. Giving of you to others and giving of yourself to God.

When it comes to giving, many people think Christmas gifts. This is only part of the equation. There is the giving of your heart and soul. Christianity is about living for others, by following the example Jesus gave us. After you've enjoyed opening gifts with your loved ones, eaten a large meal and shared in laughter and fun, try something different this year. Organizations across the nation are suffering particularly in this down economy. Use this holiday as a jump start to give back to the community, by donating monetary funds, canned foods, or toys for children. Donating something small will mean a world of difference to a family struggling to make ends meet or looking forward to enjoying a meal on one of the most important days of the year.

Giving also includes gifts. Many shoppers are taking advantage or bargains. You can find great bargains online or at your local store. If you are on a limited budget for Christmas this year, here are some great gift ideas under $50.

• Candles (found at large retail stores such as Target or Walmart); www.target.com, www.walmart.com.
• Retro sweaters (Old Navy and Gap); www.oldnavy.com, www.gap.com.
• Alarm Clock (Best Buy, Circuit City and hhgregg); www.bestbuy.com, www.circuitcity.com, www.hhgregg.com.

• MP3 Speaker (Zelco online); www.zelco.com
• Trolley Bag (Wollitz) www.giftsideasetc.com

The most important aspect of giving involves giving your heart and soul to God. Take a few moments on Christmas day to rededicate your heart and life back to God. Allow this coming year to mean more to you, as a Christian, than any previous year. As the country faces numerous economic challenges, now is not the time to get flustered and heated. The Bible says the earth will experience troubled times and those moments are crucial to keep our hearts and minds fixed on God and not on what is happening around us.

So, this holiday, don't let the rough times ruin your experience. Buy sensibly, volunteer in the community, and remain devoted to the God who has given you so much. And don't forget to check in with Gospelcity.com next week – we will be bringing you tips on how to stick to those  New Year's resolutions!