Donate Joy

This past week we had Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday, all of which I didn’t really participate in directly. I’m not against any of these money oriented days. However, I think they can be a catalyst to help us think about what we are contributing to in this holiday season. Are we burdening ourselves unnecessarily, or are we donating joy?

First, let me give a little background for those who may not know what these three days are about. Basically, Black Friday is a day where in-store retailers can turn their debt (historically written in red ink), into a day of profit (historically written in black ink), because of holiday shopping. As online shopping became more popular, Cyber Monday became a “black ink” day as well. Then about a decade ago, with so many people focused in on buying on these two days, the idea of giving to charities and the needy became a thing. As this concept was promoted, Giving Tuesday became in vogue.

My readers, of course, know how I love philanthropic capitalism and helping others. This is the essence of Eph. 4:28. But, donating joy is something deeper and more magical. Donating “joy is helping someone find their smile!” I love that quote that I found in this picture. It’s giving someone more than just a cool Christmas present, money, or even food out of obligation. It’s a transaction that has meaning for all parties concerned.

Have you gotten gifts where you knew it was a repackaged and unwanted item? Or received a gift from someone that the person liked, but had no meaning for you? Or you gave a gift or money out of obligation? Donating joy is just the opposite.

Donating joy is giving when all parties, including God, share love. Sharing love comes in many forms. It could be a well thought out and special Christmas present, or money and food to a family that have neither. It could also mean a simple kindness shown, a smile (which is rarely seen now with masks), or a friendly conversation at the store, like I had the other night with Ali.

Ali is around 30 years old who is a professor of physics. He left Syria seven years ago and came to America to be free from tyranny. Little did he realize that America would be facing similar issues politically right now. He said, “If people can’t come to America for freedom, where are they going to go? No where.” We talked about learning and experiencing different cultures, and the importance of family. It was an interesting conversation and we could have continued talking, but we needed to finish our shopping. The point is that we both donated and experienced joy because we shared the blessing of freedom.

During this holiday season, in a world where there is heavy spiritual and cultural warfare, let us remember to donate joy in traditional, meaningful, and creative ways. When there is conflict, bring peace. When there is lying, stand for truth. When there is no money, make a special family memory. When there is heartache and sadness, donate joy in your own unique way.

As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 So, donate joy this holiday season. You will be blessed and be a blessing In Jesus Name! Go forth bold, blessed, and brilliant. Subscribe and comment below.