“One who is gracious to a poor person lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed.”—Proverbs 19:17 (NASB)
During this time of the year, you may hear people talking about getting into the Christmas spirit or spreading Christmas joy. As Christians, these things aren’t seasonal. They are continual. Having a generous spirit and spreading joy should be something we do all year long. `
With that being said, I do know it is much easier for me to give away my knit gifts around this time of the year. Part of that is with colder weather, scarves, hats, and ear warmers are a welcome gift to those working at the front of a store where the doors frequently open and close.
It seems as if Christmas might be when a nonbeliever is more likely to attend a church service than any other time of the year. Because of that, I include a card with our Christmas Eve church services on it with my knit gift. When I give away an item, I mention it. I can only pray if the person doesn’t know Jesus, they see something different in me and their heart be pricked to attend a church near them.
When we bless others with our money, time, and talent, we are also being generous towards our Heavenly Father. My giving of these things reveals my trust in God to supply all I need. I can embrace more of what God has for me when I give of myself.
Speaking of giving, I want to give a shout out to my Knit,Pray,Crochet group. With colder weather in Texas, we made our first delivery to a non-profit organization, When We Love, who help the homeless in Fort Worth. We were able to bless them with nearly 400 handmade hats, scarves/neck warmers. In February, we gave them 200 items, so a total of 600 gifts given to the homeless for 2025. We have been blessed with many yarn donations to make this possible. We also have women who can’t attend our weekly gatherings who contribute as well.
In addition to knitting for the homeless, last month we gave 350 hats to the church to distribute to 11 low-income schools we support. While we didn’t make as many baby items for the pregnancy centers this year, a few of the ladies still made hats and blankets; totaling 50 items.
Having the hands and hearts who generously donate their time and talents to make these 1000 items this year, is what keeps me going in this ministry. We aren’t doing this for recognition or accolades. We do it to plant the seeds to grow God’s kingdom. Each gift is tagged with a scripture and a message saying it was prayed over.
More than likely we won’t ever see the fruits of our labor, but we keep on knitting and crocheting because it is what God has called us to do. Having a generous spirit this season doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some may financially be able to be generous while others do it through their time and talents.
God extends His love through our acts of love and kindness when we are the hands and feet of Jesus. He uses us as a vessel of His love and grace. Our Heavenly Father sees what we do in the name of Jesus.
Father God,
Forgive me when I miss opportunities to share the Gospel. This Christmas season, prepare hearts to receive Jesus. Lead me to others to invite to a church service. I ask for awareness of opportunities to be more generous with my time and talents. I thank You for sisters in Christ who give so generously of their time and talents for the knitting ministry. Continue to encourage those who are behind the scenes being the hands and feet of Jesus remembering You see all they are doing in Your name. I pray these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
December Verse
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”—Romans 15:13
If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.