In our lives we pass through time, completely oblivious to how fortunate we are. We complain about things such as having to go to school, not having the new trendy clothes, or not having our favorite snacks in the kitchen even though the cabinets are full. In the process, we totally pass over the fact that some people don’t have these privileges. We don’t realize that there are people who only hope that one day they can live like we do. It’s a very easy thing to look over, but it’s also an easy thing we can help fix. 

Think back to when you were little. When it would start to get cold outside, and your little heart was filled with joy because you knew Christmas time was coming soon. The day you looked forward to all year.

Now imagine being the little kid who doesn’t have happy Christmas memories. Maybe it’s because they didn’t get presents, or maybe it’s because their mom had to choose between food and toys. Imagine having that innocence taken away at such a young age. It’s a sad, but very common reality. 

I’m not trying to bring anybody down with this article, not at all. However, I am trying to bring awareness to the fact that a lot of us are unknowingly ungrateful. We don’t try to be, but we are. We live our lives trying to ignore the fact that people in our community are struggling. It’s a sad thing to think about, but we should, because it’s something we can help. 

You can donate food and money to local shelters such as Serve City. You can also donate new toys to local children’s hospitals. However, donating resources isn’t the only way to spread hope and joy this christmas. You can donate your time, and your kindness. Be nice to people. Smile at someone. Give someone a compliment. Invite someone to church, or share a Bible verse with someone. It’s very easy to spread hope with just one sentence, or smile. 

Sophomore Sara Frost stated, “During Christmas we have donated presents to children without them, and gave food to homeless shelters. We usually find a way to help the community every year. Helping is as rewarding as it is good for the community.” 

Hope can look different to different people. To a struggling single parent it might be a work bonus, or someone helping them buy christmas presents. To a homeless man it might be someone giving them a warm Christmas meal. To someone in the military it might be a letter. To kids it’s the story of christmas, you know santa, elves, and presents. To me, it’s Jesus, the only reason we have Christmas. 

That’s why I think it’s so important to help someone when you’re able to. When you help someone, you could leave a lasting impression in their lives. You could totally change the way they see the world. 

When asked what made helping people worth it, junior Justin Hinkle answered, “It was worth it because the connection you feel with a person, even a stranger, that you feel after helping them can not be matched by any other feeling.”

In the end, you have the power to impact someone’s life. We all do. Go out and use that power to show people that there’s hope. God blessed us with these opportunities and resources so that we can use them.

Jesus is the reason for the season. Jesus gave to many people, and he eventually gave His life for us. He is God in the flesh, and we were made in God’s image. We were made to help people. As a christian it’s my duty to spread God’s love, to spread hope, and I think that’s a good job to have. 

Proverbs 19:18 says, “Those who are gracious to the poor lend to the Lord, and the Lord will fully repay them.”

Your giving is appreciated, and does not go unnoticed. Spread some Christmas hope this year!