Seven New Gifts Ideas for Christmas
Christmas is coming! Between the hustle and bustle of holiday sales, Santa Clause, and bright Christmas lights, it’s easy to lose sight of what this season is really about.
In this the second week of Advent, Christ’s church is reminded to focus on him as the Prince of Peace. This peace originates in our knowledge that, after just a few more weeks of patient waiting, we’ll commemorate and celebrate the birth of Christ and the humble gift of the son of God that leads to humanity’s salvation.
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty you might become rich.”
2 Corinthians 8:9
Christ’s gift to the world — humbling his Divine personhood to become one of us — is what inspires the Christmas spirit every year. Each and every one of us chooses how to show their spirit of gratitude.
We gather thoughtful gifts for those closest to us, trying to find the perfect gift for our friends and family. But especially in today’s hurting world, Christ’s calling runs deeper than thoughtful purchases on Amazon.
This Christmas, Vera Aqua Vera Vita is calling our whole family to give seven new gifts beyond our family and friends — the seven Corporal Works of Mercy.
To feed the hungry (1), to give drink to the thirsty (2), to clothe the naked (3), to give shelter to the homeless (4), to visit the sick (5), to visit the imprisoned (6), and to bury the dead (7).
“The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy,” by David Teniers the younger (17th Century).
These works come from Matthew, Chapter 25 when Christ said, “When I was hungry you fed me, when I was thirsty you gave me drink…” In these verses, our Lord laid out the foundations for Christian charity and explained that what someone does for a person in need they are truly doing for Christ.
This Christmas, in addition to getting thoughtful Christmas presents for family and friends, take the time to reach outside of your circle and give to all our brothers and sisters, especially those in need of the Corporal Works of Mercy. The hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the homeless, the sick, the imprisoned and even the dearly departed need your help. First, they need your prayers, but even further, they need your gift of self.
There are so many ways to give — volunteering at a homeless shelter, visiting a sick friend (mental or physical), donating to a food drive, etc — and we call people to prayerfully consider their gift.
This Christmas, we here at Vera Aqua Vera Vita are asking you to consider giving drink to the thirsty by giving to our organization.
Vera Aqua Vera Vita has made such immense progress solidifying the path to give clean water to 1,000+ thirsty Peruvians living in harsh desert heat. Every $50 you give will provide clean water for one person for generations to come — not only will your gift quench thirst right now, but forever for the people of Las Mercedes KM11.
However you choose to give this Christmas, give with heart, knowing that the kindness you show to others is kindness you show to Christ.
