A Charitable Christmas

by: amiel aguilar cabanlig

"And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." King James

The holidays are known as a time for giving and with Christmas fast approaching, checking your lists and checking them twice can be a harrowing ordeal. Good deeds seem to pour in as we each reflect on the past year and try to make amends or set a good example for the year to come.

While most of these good deeds are indeed “good” - borne out of a genuine want to spread the Yuletide cheer – let us not be fooled by opportunistic gift-givers with ulterior motives!

For some, “CHARITY” seems to be more of a trend of the season rather than a means of sharing goodwill. Take for example certain figures of society that rant and rave about their charitable acts and have them immortalized in magazines, newspapers and whatever media they can get their fingers into.

(I remember here the textbook definition of PR. The gist behind public relations is to do good and make sure other people know about it!)

Depending on who you ask, the word "charity" has a diverse set of meanings. For a privileged many, the true essence of the word has been utterly corrupted and tarnished by their egotistical desires to merely look good for the masses.

Sure they may mingle with the common-folk, visit sick kids in the hospital, or even give food out the hungry... but are their hearts really in it? Or are these “personalities” merely being “charitable” during the holidays, when so many eyes are on them and wanting for a story or feature of how generous they can be when they want to?

Let me assure you that these publicized “charitable acts” do not warrant the forgiveness of their past sins.

The prophet Matthew talks about charity unequivocally in his book in the BIBLE;

“Take care! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired, because then you will loose your reward from your Father in heaven.

When you give a gift to someone in need, don’t shout about it as hypocrites do- blowing trumpets in the streets to call attention to their acts of charity…

BUT when you give to someone, don’t tell your left hand what your right hand is doing. GIVE YOUR GIFTS in SECRET, and your Father, who knows all secrets will reward you.”