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. 

As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

2 Corinthians 9:7-9

Christmas is the time of year that we contemplate God’s giving.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…

John 3:16

God’s great work in the world always starts with giving.

Christmas is also a time to give to your church. As the passage above says, “You must each decide in your heart how much to give.” 

Giving is a normal practice for those who believe in the gospel. The Apostle Paul assumes all Christians give money when he gives this instruction. But giving is not enough -

“For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

Cheerful giving is one of the ways we illustrate the gospel to ourselves (it always challenges our fear and selfishness) and others: “I will take of what is mine and give it to good gospel causes.” It is also a way to step out in faith, trusting God to meet your needs. As the passage says: 

“God will generously supply all your needs.”

So here is my pitch:

Will you consider giving well to All Souls Church this Christmas? If you already give, would you consider giving extra? Our little church could really use it and finishing financially strong will really set us up well to go into 2024. 

If All Souls is a blessing to your life and your family please keep us on your Christmas list next to friends and family that you will be giving to. 

Finally, we can give to God.

Not because he is in need.

Not because he will like you more or less.

Not to show off, not to feel better, not out of guilt, and not out of coercion.

Give because you love God, give because you love Christians, give because the lost world needs the gospel, give because God has given to you!

All Souls Church Giving Link

Thank you for your generosity!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Harvey