It is often said, and justifiably so, that Christmas is the season of giving. There is something about the spirit and mood of Christmas that inspire generosity. Even predisposed scrooges dig a little deeper into their pockets to share with others, even strangers. It should not surprise anyone that Christmas should have this kind of effect on people. After all, Christmas is rooted in the greatest act of giving. Christmas is the celebration of God’s gift to the world; the greatest gift every given. God gave the gift of love wrapped in human flesh, in the person of His Son Jesus.

By any measure Bethesda is a generous congregation and not only at Christmas time. However in this month alone Bethesda will make contributions to the Markham Food Bank, CLWR’s “We Care Project,” and Quilts for refugees. Our youth group has solicited donations of foodstuff from the neighbours around the church. Along with foodstuff they got approximately $240.00. They will purchase foodstuff with this money and then donate them, along with others received, to the Markham Food Bank. The youths are also raising funds to support the CLWR’s “Gift From the Heart” project. Toward this end they are collecting beer and wine bottles which they will exchange for cash.

Add to these our support of the Yellow Brick House and the Canadian Foodgrains Project and you will see why Bethesda is a giving congregation. Indeed, “It is more blessed to give….”