Christmas Offering
Finding Meaning in the Small Moments
It was the quietest part of the church service. My dad had handed me three coins to put on the collection plate. I looked forward to being a participant in the big church service and eagerly awaited my turn. This was something I could do on my own. At four years old, it made me feel big and important. As the plate was passed to me, my chubby hands took hold and dropped the three coins in--but something happened. Two coins fell in, but one slipped between my fingers, rolled off my Sunday pink organza dress, and hit the floor. Then it didn’t stop. Once it hit the wooden floor it started rolling. Since we occupied the last pew in the church, it had a long way to roll. People started looking at each other and I knew I was in trouble. How could I drop my coin when I was so proud to share it with the church? Down, down it rolled, picking up speed until it stopped. It hit the heater register on the floor and clinked, clanked down it went. No one said a word and it seemed to last forever. Finally, it landed with a thud at the bottom floor. Closing my eyes, I knew everyone would be watching me. How could I have let that happen? How did my joy turn into being afraid? The tension was broken when the preacher declared, “Well, that’s one quarter we have for sure.”
Laughter broke out in the church and to my amazement everyone was nodding. Relieved I was not in trouble, I looked at my parents who were smiling and laughing too. Embarrassed, but relieved not to be in trouble, I was determined right then to get it right the next time. After all, it was my turn to give my all for others.
Now, years later, whenever I hear the familiar clink of coins or see children eagerly participating in holiday traditions, I’m reminded of that morning. It’s easy to get wrapped up in perfection and forget the simple joy that comes from giving, mistakes and all. Every year since, I’ve tried to remember that moment—not just during Christmas, but throughout the year—to let go of embarrassment and to give with an open heart. And although I’m no longer four, the feeling of being “big and important” when you help someone else never goes away.
My message to you this Christmas season is to give what you can to others with the simple joy of a child. No loopholes, no obligations, no thought-less giving. Give because you want to and out of the joy of it all. It doesn’t have to be big. Buy a gift for a child from an angel tree from a sponsored business. I gave to a ministry for underprivileged children in a local community. See what the need is in your area and reach out to organizations.
You don’t do it for recognition or praise. Simply for the act of helping others. Trust me, it will make you feel better about the holidays and bring a smile to your face.
That’s the joy of Christmas.
How do you spread joy?
I remember putting money in every Sunday when the collection plate came around. My parents always made sure we had something to give..
Thank you for this beautiful post and message. It is amazing how your experience with the coin at age four affected you and stayed with you to continue the giving spirit.