Monday - A New Idea - The Night That Changed the Poor
Last week we started a new series called, “The Night that Changed Everything.” We’re looking at the significance of Christmas, a night that changed much more than most of us imagine. We’ll see its impact on five segments of society:
The Night That Changed the Religious
The Night That Changed the Powerful
The Night That Changed the Poor
The Night That Changed You
The Night That Changed the Wise
This week we’re looking at how it changed the poor. Often the poor are excluded from important events – there were reports of homeless people being temporarily removed from the streets before the Atlanta Olympics, for example. When the world was watching, Atlanta didn’t want them seeing poverty.
But strangely, the Christmas story puts poor people front and centre. Mary and Joseph themselves are travellers with apparently modest means. The first visitors to see the baby are shepherds.
We’ll explore this week why it’s significant that the poor are so prominent in this important event.
Question: What role do the poor play in our world?
Read the Bible in Sync Today
Loading Content...
Share a Link to this Message
The link has been copied to your clipboard; paste it anywhere you would like to share it.
This week, we take an honest look at our motivations for giving and helping others.
Charities know people like to be honoured and recognized for the good, generous people they are.
More likely to give, if they know they’ll be honoured.
A Dutch study of church offerings of cash for outside charities. Baskets & Bags. When using baskets, attendees can see the contribution made by their direct neighbours as well as the total amount already gathered. Givings Increased 10% when baskets are used.
Not just money. Owners of the environmentally friendly Toyota Prius were polled about why they drive a Prius. #1 answer was this it makes a statement about me. Higher fuel economy and lower emissions in third and fifth place!
Our concern for what others think can clearly motivate us to give and do good...a fact many charities use to their advantage to raise money!
Question: How have you benefited from giving to others in the past? Think about both tangible and intangible ones, intentional or not. How do you feel about receiving these?
