2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT

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.”

Not a week since our version of Thanksgiving and we arrive at our next big celebration, St Nicholas’ Day. A third-century bishop in modern-day Turkey, Nicholas was both a miracle-worker and giver of secret gifts (Matthew 6:3). He was a defender of the Faith in a time of persecution, secretly delivered bags of money to provide dowries for a father’s daughters who would otherwise have been forced into prostitution, and raised three boys from the dead! Over time this saint of God has been both domesticated and commercialised to suit our materialistic age.

At the Oratory, before the Christmas season kicks in, we prepare another feast and tell the story of St Nicholas. We concentrate on his generosity, and together talk about what venture we will financially support this year. This is to ensure we do invest in the needs and opportunities of others as well as our planned investment in pleasing ourselves with gifts, food and festivities. It doesn’t matter what target we set, but we do set one, since we can estimate what we shall spend on Christmas. Each member of the family contributes to it.

It is a reminder of the generosity of God in sending Jesus to be born in a stable in Bethlehem. It acknowledges that we too can invest financially in the well-being of others, secretly and generously. Over that meal, we recall where and how we have invested in needs beyond our own over the year. We recall where we feel we have been tempted to avoid giving financially, often from fear of running out of money. Sums don’t matter and we can involve anyone of any age. Giving is from the heart.

One addition to this practice is collaborating on creating something we can hang from the Christmas tree that reflects the people or cause we choose to support, so that the recipients are represented and welcomed into our home through the Christmas season.

QUESTION: How can you practise generosity to others this Advent?

PRAYER: Lord, may your Church reflect your generous nature this Christmas season.