5 Simple Ways to Reflect Jesus’s Love This Christmas

The Christmas season is upon us—a time filled with festive decorations, family gatherings, and joyous celebrations. But let’s pause for a moment and ask ourselves: What is the true spirit of Christmas? It’s not found in perfectly wrapped gifts or twinkling lights. It’s found in the gift of Jesus—the ultimate expression of God’s love for us.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV).

This season, we have an opportunity to reflect His heart by stepping outside of ourselves and giving back to those in need. In a world overtaken by materialism and busyness, let’s reclaim Christmas by choosing generosity this holiday season.

When we give, we’re not just meeting someone’s immediate need. We’re showing them the love of Christ. As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35b, NIV). Giving aligns us with heaven’s purpose, allowing us to bring light into the darkness.

Here are five practical, impactful ways to give back this holiday season and truly embody the spirit of Christmas.

1. Volunteer Your Time.

One of the most meaningful ways to give back is by volunteering your time. Time spent in service allows us to witness God’s love in action and share it with others. It could be helping at a local shelter, participating in community events, or even volunteering at your church. Every minute matters, and there’s no limit to the blessings God can bring through our service.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10, NIV). We each have unique gifts, and God calls us to use them to bless others. Whether you’re cooking a warm meal, helping with a local project, or simply lending a listening ear, your time can impact lives and show God’s love in a tangible way.

Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40b, NIV). When we serve others, we’re serving Him.

2. Do Acts of Kindness to Brighten Someone’s Day.

Small acts of kindness can go a long way! This season, look for opportunities to bring joy to someone’s life through simple gestures:

• Pay it forward by buying coffee or a meal for someone in line behind you. A small act can leave a lasting impact, reminding someone that they’re seen and cared for.
• Write a thank-you note or send a quick text of appreciation to someone who has been a blessing in your life.
• Shovel a neighbor’s driveway or rake their leaves. Simple acts of service can lighten someone’s load.
• Leave encouraging notes at your workplace or community boards. Words have power, and even a short message of hope can uplift a heart.

3. Teach Your Children to Give.

Children are like sponges, soaking up the values they see modeled at home. Instead of focusing solely on what they’ll receive this Christmas, encourage them to experience the joy of giving.

• Involve them in age-appropriate acts of kindness that allow them to see the impact of their generosity firsthand.
• Let them pick out toys for a local toy drive, bake cookies for neighbors, or create handmade cards for veterans or hospital patients.

By modeling generosity and involving your children, you’re planting seeds of selflessness that will bear fruit throughout their lives. Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) reminds us, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” This holiday season, give your children the priceless gift of a heart for others.

4. Sow Generously into Ministries.

This season, prayerfully consider sowing financially into ministries that spread the Gospel and meet practical needs. Give back to the ministries that have spiritually fed you and helped you on your path in the Kingdom! Your giving could support missions, feed the hungry, or provide resources for those who are struggling.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38, NIV).

Your seed can multiply far beyond what you imagine when it’s placed in God’s hands.

5. Pray and Be Present for Others.

In all our giving, we must not forget the power of prayer and simply being present. Sometimes people don’t need a physical gift or an act of service; they just need someone to listen, offer a hug, and pray with them.

If you know someone going through a hard time this season, let them know you’re there to listen and pray. Give the gift of your presence.

Galatians 6:2 (NIV) encourages us, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Prayer opens doors that we can’t open on our own, and it allows God to work in ways we may not see. As we bring the needs of our community and loved ones before God, we’re giving back in a way that has eternal value.

Ultimately, the greatest gift of this season is Jesus. He set the perfect example of love, grace, and sacrifice, and when we give back, we’re honoring Him. We’re not just meeting physical needs. We’re extending God’s love, His joy, and His presence to others. It’s an opportunity to shine His light in a world that’s often dark and in need of hope.

Remember, giving back isn’t just for this season. It’s a lifestyle that God calls us to every day. As we step out to serve, God will work through us, creating a ripple effect of love and faith.

As we embrace the heart of giving, let’s remember that it’s not about how much we give but the spirit in which we give. The widow who gave her last two coins didn’t give out of abundance but out of obedience and faith (Mark 12:41–44, NIV). God doesn’t measure the size of the gift. He measures the size of the heart.

This December, choose to invest your time, resources, and prayers into others. Let your life be a testimony of God’s love and faithfulness. When we give with open hands, we position ourselves to receive not just material blessings but spiritual fulfillment and joy.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NIV).

Together, we can reclaim the true spirit of the season—one act of kindness, one gift, and one prayer at a time. Let’s make this Christmas a celebration of God’s love by giving back and reflecting His Kingdom here on Earth.