The Christmas season is a time of joy and generosity. A time that we receive gifts, yes, but also a time that we celebrate the greatest gift ever given. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16).
As we remember God’s extraordinary gift this Christmas, we are invited to give our own gifts to family and friends. Reflecting the love we have received, we are moved to give in ways that brighten lives and embody the true spirit of Christmas.
Here are some ideas of ways you could make your Christmas gifts even more meaningful this Christmas.
If you’re looking to make your gifts to family and friends impact the world more broadly, why not consider making a donation on their behalf? Baptist World Aid’s Better World Gifts start from $5 and come with a beautiful card explaining the difference this gift has made.
Or if you’re just looking to buy Christmas card, why not purchase them from Philoi Global. Designed and painted by refugees, all proceeds from these beautiful cards go towards supporting persecuted minorities and displaced people.
If you’re looking to make a financial gift this Christmas, you could give to one of the Christmas appeals seeking to bring hope to those that need it this Christmas.
Baptist World Aid Australia is running a Christmas matching appeal. A group of generous donors have created a Christmas Matching Fund of $94,700 so if you give before 19 December (and while the Matching Fund lasts), your gift will be DOUBLED. Around the world, many children, women and men have the capacity to change their lives and communities for the better but are limited by poverty. Your Christmas gift to Baptist World Aid can provide healthy and clean environments to whole communities limited by poverty.
Or you could give to BaptistCare’s HopeStreet Christmas Appeal. By giving to the HopeStreet appeal you’re showing kindness to someone facing homelessness this Christmas. Your donation will help provide a nutritious meal at HopeStreet, as well as groceries, clean clothing and more to help someone through the festive season.
And Baptist Mission Australia continues their More Like Jesus appeal. Your partnership in this appeal will help continue to develop passionate mission leaders and disciple makers – people who live, love and lead more like Jesus, around the world.
And however you choose to spend your Christmas, may the peace of Christ’s love fill your heart this Christmas.
