Believe it or not, Christmas is just two weeks away – in fact, exactly two weeks away. And whilst you and I may be looking forward to a wonderful celebration with our families, there are many who aren’t.

I don’t know how it goes in your household, but in ours at this time of year we tend to ask ourselves what we can do to bless someone in need, someone who’s struggling, someone who’s not going to be enjoying the sort of Christmas that we’ll be enjoying … someone who, in the eyes of a society, dazzled by the allure of freedom, wealth and success, doesn’t really count in the scheme of things?

Of course, thinking about the poor, the needy, the lost, the hurting shouldn’t merely be confined to this time of year. Anyone who believes in Jesus knows the special heart He has for those whom society marginalises. But as we come into this Christmas season, celebrating the birth of our Saviour, it is indeed a special thing for us to be thinking about.

Deuteronomy 15:11 For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, you shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’ (ESV)

Perhaps you have much to give, perhaps little … but whatever our circumstances, we can all give love, kindness, understanding, mercy. And if you do have the financial means, then please … find someone and give generously, sacrificially, in a way that’ll change their life.

I command you, open your hand wide to your brothers and sisters, to the needy and to the poor in your land!

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.