Advent 2025: Season of Giving

“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others.” (2Cor.9:6-8 nlt)

This past Tuesday was ‘Giving Tuesday.’ It is the final day of the after-Thanksgiving events promoted by retailers in the United States. ‘Black Friday’ starts it off, which was at one time the busiest shopping day of the year but no more. It is followed by ‘Small Business Saturday’ to help support those smaller business owners who are affected by the big box stores and major retail  corporations. The Monday after thanksgiving has now become ‘Cyber Monday’ which ,of course, needs no explanation. And finally we come to ‘Giving Tuesday,’ a day to donate to your favorite charity or organization.

Coming from a Christian perspective, I would think ‘giving’ should be first day after Thanksgiving or perhaps the day before. But I’m not complaining. According to numbers from the non-profits, ‘Giving Tuesday’ is very successful. Last year in 2024, $592 billion dollars were donated to charities and non-profit organizations. So, I’m OK where it is as it does start the season of giving.

The apostle Paul was addressing the church in Corinth about the gift they were gathering for the poor in Jerusalem. He wanted them to be ready when Paul’s men arrived to pick it up. Paul used the example of a farmer who plants generously will have a generous crop. Paul was not preaching a prosperity gospel. He said they must decide in their hearts how much to give and he did not want them to give reluctantly or feel pressured to do so for God loves a cheerful giver.  

When we share and give to others, especially those in need, we can be sure of a blessing from God. Let that not be our motive, but to help those God has put in our space and in our hearts this advent season. It is the season of giving; the season we celebrate God giving us His Son that we may be saved from eternal wrath. May we celebrate this season by meeting the needs of the unfortunate both physical and spiritual by introducing them to Jesus, the reason for the season.