Give What You Can by Jerry Hill
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
(2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV)
The only name I ever knew for her was Mrs. Reinhart. I was in her home many times as a young boy. It was just one room that served as a living area, bedroom, and kitchen — not much bigger than my room at home. Our church had a loan payment due in the Spring and no funds to make it. At that fall business meeting, members were asked to pledge what extra they could give over the winter for the spring payment. Mrs. Reinhart stood and pledged an extra $25. Back then, $25 was significant, and it was especially significant for her. After the meeting, two deacons, Glenn and Willis, talked and decided that there was no way she could afford that $25. So the next day they showed up at her door. She sat in the chair (she only had one), and they sat on the bed.
Glenn and Willis said the church appreciated her pledge, but that it was too much for her to give so they would cover her pledge. She shook her head and said, “No, I can make that pledge, I’ve decided how I can do it. Instead of three meals, I will eat a late breakfast and an early supper and will save on groceries. And then I will go to bed at 4:00 and stay in bed until 9:00 in the morning, and then I can turn the heat down that much longer and save on my gas bill. I can save the $25.” Then she straightened up in her chair, pointed her finger at the two deacons, and said, “but shame on you two fellas. If you can afford to give another $25, you should have pledged it!”
So, all that winter, Mrs. Reinhart ate just two meals a day, went to bed early, and got up late. Then, when Spring arrived, she made her $25 gift. (Glenn and Willis each gave an extra $25 too.)
This advent, we are considering the challenge of “Turning Christmas Upside Down.” When I was assigned to write on this date, I was told that the weekly theme is “Spend Less, Give More,” and I remembered Mrs. Reinhart. The Advent theme is not a stewardship emphasis, but this advent, we are being challenged to consider how we use our bounty. Extravagant gifts? Over-the-top trips or parties? Or do we honor the gift of the Christ-child by sacrificing for the benefit of others? Can we use more of our treasure to help others in need? Can we say, “We have enough.” If we do this, we may discover that the “joy” of Christmas isn’t found in the lights, gifts, and parties, but rather in sacrifice and new priorities.