The Wired Word for 12212025 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 12/21/2025 ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article4.6bc1851654a0.png) Dear Class Members, We thank the subscriber who sent us a story about a pastor who fell for a TikTok stunt and sparked a debate on Christian charity. Combined with reports of Christmas giving by churchgoers, the TikTok story leads us to focus this installment of *The Wired Word* on generosity, giving, and the Christian obligation to respond to the needs of others. ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **Churchgoers Are Generous at Christmas, Especially to Neighbors in Need** ***The Wired Word*** **for the Week of December 21, 2025** **In the News** This fall, the pastor of a small congregation in Kentucky picked up the phone and received a request for help. “I have a 2-month-old baby,” said a young woman to pastor Johnny Dunbar. “And I ran out of formula last night. I was wanting to see if y'all could help with formula.” According to *The Washington Post,* Dunbar had been wondering how families in his Appalachian community would deal with a loss of food assistance because of the federal government shutdown. Grabbing a pen and paper, he asked how much formula she needed and made arrangements for delivery. Dunbar had no idea that his conversation would be replayed millions of times over the internet. The caller was not really a needy young woman. Instead, she was an internet content creator who was making calls to test churches on their response to neighbors in need. The content creator, who goes by the name Nikalie Monroe, put a recording of the call on TikTok and ignited a national debate on how congregations should respond to random calls for help. The content creator presented the TikTok videos, titled “testing your church,” as a social experiment. She wanted to see if Christian organizations were truly committed to the biblical mandate to feed the hungry. Her videos drew millions of viewers and inspired conversations across social media. Responses included praise for Dunbar and criticism of churches that refused to help. “I'm so lucky I got it right that day,” Dunbar said. “Because so often I get it wrong.” Many viewers said they were inspired to donate to Dunbar's church, which raised more than $95,000 after the video went viral, according to a church administrator. Said one viewer, “This lesbian atheist just donated $100.” A second video, posted later that day, showed the response of another church in Kentucky. In that case, the caller was told to reach out to a local nonprofit or government office. Another church responded by saying that they could not help, and suggested that she call a different local church. The religious organizations that responded positively to the content creator's call included a mosque in Charlotte, a Buddhist temple in Chapel Hill and several Protestant churches across the South and the Midwest. Lakewood Church, the Houston megachurch, said it would review her request in a process that could take weeks. While debate raged about the appropriateness of this TikTok test, surveys reveal that giving among churchgoers surges at Christmas, especially toward local needs. According to *Religion Uplugged*, more than four in five Protestant churchgoers in the United States say they typically make an extra monetary donation this time of year. “There is no shortage of opportunities and numerous requests for donations at Christmastime,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, “and most churchgoers do give charitably at this time of year.” Average Protestant churchgoers say they typically make financial donations at Christmas to two types of causes, in addition to any regular giving they do. Half of churchgoers say they give to their church's efforts to help those in need. One in five donates to a local Christian ministry. “Since almost all Protestant churchgoers [attend at Christmastime](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPAuRKjrfiGwRkpy3YxlTTb5v09Ow3IHl0dBtZ0svAXtHXta9XseRmACEcJ4RseHimaBpUWAwfuJOg-2FZbdXbTiHMVuBTyQMOiZFjd-2BnY0mg-2BxqGqCcMDbGxWIZxx041HmHA-3D-3DexH1_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9Oa0qjaEF0auzGm5KxY4BO4OPLH4etCCfhd2T2at6LsePWMiq9sVNuakaHj7yis0z9v69HWdUPjMjW1g5hxgDiwRRCUOl1-2FBsOrcqD6vQHqyUa1XXFvcn24qSa-2B17YPRxh3uVp3bEYbt-2FInSgXKOhmlUKn2y8FRkdwNzFcMZBJah6p-2FBFM34mYp-2BT8zEhGJaJ1Y8XeQE0rgJHjqaP-2FnVTdBg-3D), it is not surprising that they participate in financial giving opportunities at their church the most. And in the giving spirit, gifts in which the church helps others are far more popular than things that benefit the operation of the church itself,” said McConnell. In addition, Americans gave $4 billion on GivingTuesday this year, a big gain over last year, when the total was $3.6 billion. Woodrow Rosenbaum, the chief data officer for the nonprofit “GivingTuesday,” said to *The Associated Press* that both the number of people giving and the overall donation amount may have increased this year as people seek a sense of belonging and connection. “Generosity is a really powerful way to get that,” he said. “But I think mostly it's just that when people see need, they want to do something about it.” A large portion of charitable giving happens at the end of the calendar year, and GivingTuesday helps to launch what nonprofits consider to be the season of giving. More on this story can be found at these links: [This Pastor Fell for a TikTok Stunt and Sparked a Debate on Christian Charity.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0VdJfz0bkOyXLd9JTOjRFUNoZTaOriczsNqBPmmXEzNr3Fv-2FUKqunQPRyjf8FNNgYP37n37WWGKwUn29jqAK88UUUZX_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OVbEpDlFgP1oD3NGbW8rdyQyzLf-2Fa8nf3qgTXnl7RrmCyyXYPNXrsRmeaV9pptzQHSlQqvmH0nqq9rtXO0C0NCF17ibiV5O29qjvM4Edha6x0Ef39FHgH9nOr6Fx1nVFy-2Fq2luJGn8r9y21ejFnLAaJRvnr26wJ8fdSt-2BWY4j-2BKcW6-2F7fNF6GXb4XyPcMUrL6X6JDEp5Fco-2BGgndsjImrdI-3D) [*The Washington Post*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0VdJfz0bkOyXLd9JTOjRFUNoZTaOriczsNqBPmmXEzNr3Fv-2FUKqunQPRyjf8FNNgYP37n37WWGKwUn29jqAK88U5OFT_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9ORliYMz-2B7eavyJ78n-2BS8JKFWavcyFqzm9OQsly8d3Yc0AaVDApYQ6iS40fpARuq2l5X1ixwf2RFqHNCIB3VKRvAXY-2F3qmJr78sUE7SlHWOUWVnbAvbG-2BIs6fJLh2rTaXZt8VlferelViJ3-2FFVOhPdRsKViNJoCXq9xbSHWHJ-2Fv2-2BLx7-2FPtYxdaY0XehrZfYUl0IlPYmCmwWD41uS00YGBK4-3D) [Christmas Giving Surges Among Churchgoers, Especially Toward Local Needs.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOLfAH0t-2BLCFDkq-2BbjeFACRaV0s7q5NUR0eSjSr5vjvp9SGWPsx6DiLMITeCLCdHq36c1GA1hkg-2BglCptFhcOEhaGRNnuiB1wD5DyEK3NUlfxJps_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OXHDQEzDftnyiBXuifQxQKyf06TdPq8HYyPB2a3Dhif8upj3y9dju-2B4hAFTy-2FNoizovQFM1wM5dEZvDsCEkxt3hLLCrZhzv-2FVjFHgS3zsGzyCQlKBfh-2F5mritmEF9zWmA6J0r-2B3XTy7ZB1Uf7N5B1wY-2B5BCoxa4w1eHcyw5W74HIbq8yCpVf-2Bft5Wt1SuLZOrD9W6eLAqEPrlsdERIvjVkM-3D) [*ReligionUplugged*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOLfAH0t-2BLCFDkq-2BbjeFACRaV0s7q5NUR0eSjSr5vjvp9SGWPsx6DiLMITeCLCdHq36c1GA1hkg-2BglCptFhcOEhaGRNnuiB1wD5DyEK3NUlfGYC3_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9ObP5Ucmwq9JPLiu4qu98hOUXaAA3nHnmp7zSHA9c-2B0p5LrWEhQ-2FzWjAci-2BvThKp5cxxzCRGq5-2BpJ9GFEIYDgDVl9B02DBRgfpv7OQhyNNbnFsVkuda7kMP9fsxsH2cKk-2FNQJVkJx6OT7bhArZvNa8Vti2-2BWdHvEIihXTfkyDmv98rBcTpkYbe02SoovtVW0n69NxA-2B10VrUiHyDU67hiVXI-3D) [Americans Gave $4B on GivingTuesday 2025 as Donations and Volunteering Gain Big Over Last Year.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPI1OCgc0JwHKeA79n6Q8N2vVnJfnaCshpKGDuI-2Fqu3kUNyMEMxytCac19rUu-2F9PTBa6X-2FMz7dIQ8yRXQX0GeBfmh4Y3rXfs-2FUo8If2lShrqkAcaL_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OWlk2yWwMBpVBM6XpbUuujcpwOd9bc3qN7qHQrq8yyz4zM-2FRVG-2BdRbHi5VNNwAiRyC3MBsgkitHpYhRpn4osBMIkMyC1mILL2gCsfLVslJaLL7vhVdf1PmA1Vs0eDl-2BN0oQJCyughi-2FQlmY9BtL8oVqxZEy5q3g1n-2Bm-2BNPxW0P6zD8VoujqeQAzt1qdMMbxM4FHFTqR2juI2caUk2yHtUoo-3D) [*The*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPI1OCgc0JwHKeA79n6Q8N2vVnJfnaCshpKGDuI-2Fqu3kUNyMEMxytCac19rUu-2F9PTBa6X-2FMz7dIQ8yRXQX0GeBfmh4Y3rXfs-2FUo8If2lShrqk9YVF_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OeyGC4gWimyyWpanWsRF6t3QATq89Q839EdExwGAeWhtxw0u7ZMaIC53oPGSwZkFqTKoNpsrXazDa-2FPC5yqor7BfinY7NsyZEW-2Fg0NvZRQ6Kwx5qgVdkwrgY6qT7FqT8UYFimjBQbjj4qyL3cn8eGEpNw-2FWEKlwRW6Js5hHitmNeu9V6eC-2FXRHIP5gqXSYvH5xd2DmUQE0fc-2BSh0jNxa5o0-3D)[*Associated Press*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPI1OCgc0JwHKeA79n6Q8N2vVnJfnaCshpKGDuI-2Fqu3kUNyMEMxytCac19rUu-2F9PTBa6X-2FMz7dIQ8yRXQX0GeBfmh4Y3rXfs-2FUo8If2lShrqkpKVi_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9ORQy3TRuLLif5-2Bj-2BR3ZxbeaIDaTWlaOv8NCeGZWjnZr65PxgnGBqmkBIa1bYSvGATRX8sehZItMelHuKj8mHHECMlwyBlli6SBzOMFrCQ73uWbSJdFyqqkEioi5EKdQxzdOSHiRL0tu91vYGHRtUVC-2B3dsW44BlgxcuKr-2BiG83WTE857PLFUk5f0LaYpknphpwXqqpIPFquH2KsUeyJ4LEI-3D) **Applying the News Story** Reflect on your personal pattern of giving and whether you make additional donations at Christmas. Discuss the portion of your giving that is directed to people in need and what motivates such giving. Talk about your church budget and the ways in which it fits with your understanding of Christian obligations or expectations. **The Big Questions** 1. How does your congregation respond to random calls for help? What does it mean, in the words of pastor Johnny Dunbar, to get it right or to “get it wrong”? 2. What motivates your personal generosity to individuals, church and nonprofits? Be specific. 3. Describe the portion of your giving that is monetary and the portion that is given in food, toiletries, diapers and clothing to people in need? Which type of generosity is most satisfying and effective, and why? 4. If you make extra gifts at Christmas, why do you do this? If not, why not? 5. Why is giving a Christian obligation or expectation? How is generosity encouraged in your church community, and why is this an important part of your Christian faith and practice? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **1 Kings 17:8-9***Then the word of the LORD came to [Elijah], saying, “Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there, for I have commanded a widow there to feed you.”* (For context, read [1 Kings 17:8-16.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxfg8cQo5t8kKCb0xyK-2Be5CoKUf0fffNJKFnzv2bNgCzT1DX3XvvgDuS7n3hdAoATcFbKA_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OfnmrC79RsMgvr3leXA8xpfIyfD-2BcbivF5u8h28RfR-2B56qYPKf8Bu63igPSazxGwRW8xJWrT01YRXzQYtK41ObJz1v-2F-2FrfuRCP6r2YkUgS4PzVIahjcNCTUpcOv07CsIzLXFURJopX2mIHMEKhkDx4aCapNlTOSBiJCSBW7PKfch-2BUCISYqsWHogQhq32XcN-2BhbC2dpfFaTHbKNXVAB5Nlo-3D)) In 1 Kings 17, the prophet Elijah is sent by God from Israel to the city of Zarephath, near the foreign town of Sidon. Zarephath was a Phoenician commercial capital known for its exports including wine, grain and oil. And yet, it was not prospering at the moment Elijah was sent there because the region was suffering from a terrible drought. This becomes clear to Elijah as soon as he arrives at the gate of the city. A destitute widow is gathering sticks so that she can make a fire, prepare a few cakes, eat them with her son, and then die. The future looks bleak for her, but Elijah remembers the promise of God -- that a widow in Zarephath would feed him. He knows that his God has commanded giving and generosity, even in a time of drought and deprivation. So, Elijah says to the woman, “Bring me a little water in a vessel” (v. 10). The widow looks at him, probably wondering if this is the man of Israel that she has been commanded to feed. She knows that he is a foreigner and that he worships a different God. But since a vessel of water is not an outrageous request, she turns to get some for him. As she is going, Elijah calls to her and says, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand” (v. 11). She stops and says, “As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar and a little oil in a jug” (v. 12). She has no bread, not even a morsel to offer, and she cannot imagine where in the world she will get some. But Elijah believes in God's promise, and he will not give up. “Do not be afraid,” says the prophet to the widow; “go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the LORD the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth” (vv. 13-14). This is the promise of generosity, delivered by Elijah: With God, a little goes a long way, and there is always enough. The widow does as the prophet asks, and both Elijah and her household are able to eat “for many days” (v. 15). > **Questions:** What does the widow of Zarephath teach you about giving and generosity? When have you discovered that, with God's help, there is always enough? **Matthew 2:10-11***When [the magi] saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.* (For context, read [Matthew 2:1-12](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDdLXUaH-2BvpSi2yXpMv0R4Ct3GxAN2QSSbB1-2FRO4BUFmi-rYQ_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OZBmKROlAOVXQ-2BcyxQr-2F56PsTqFFo-2BZVcNC8O3T9uqkZ7jJ7ZsO6Qp5ExxJktYFpMLgvMpW95TlNYyzyuVo8qWeFjarqfZfbcHp5T8UgF7hbr7jrZqWy1LS4BB3ADQ7h2oUCw2VDXhzVmseNRlFGn8Rftlu0DjRR0isEae3-2FNmg0FF-2BNuKMc1JJ3R0RNDufHx6Od7BKzF5E1-2BvyKccYbHDI-3D).) We call them “kings” when we sing about them in the carol, “We Three Kings of Orient Are.” We often say they were “wise men.” But really, they were “magi,” as the original Greek of the New Testament calls them. Magi were people who studied the stars, part of a group of Persian priests. They were not connected to the people of Israel, they had no loyalty to King Herod, and they would have known little about the ancient prophecies of the coming of the Jewish Messiah. They were outsiders, following a star as a good scientist might do today. The gospel of Matthew tells us that the Magi traveled from the east to Jerusalem, following a star. In Jerusalem, they began to ask around, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage” (v. 2). When King Herod heard this, he was frightened. He did not want his kingship to be threatened by a rival, especially the Messiah. And since he was not a very faithful Jew himself, he had to ask the chief priests and scribes where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “Bethlehem” (v. 5). Herod summoned the Magi and asked them to tell him the exact time when the star appeared. Then he said to them, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage” (v. 8). Herod was scared of Jesus, so he attempted to manipulate the Magi into revealing the baby's location. The Magi succeeded in finding Jesus and they knelt down before him. They were “overwhelmed with joy,” and opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Gold represented wealth and power. Frankincense was a type of incense and perfume. Myrrh was used in ancient Egypt as part of the embalming process, and it was also added to the oil used for anointing kings. These were generous gifts, given with joy. > **Questions:** When has the presence of Jesus inspired you to offer a generous gift? What did you feel when you offered the gift? What was the effect on you and on the recipient? **Matthew 25:40***And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.”* (For context, read [Matthew 25:31-46](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDcVRcnTBIowhZZwDlMqPEdNSp8fMb1gt-2B-2BBSeaqSjRVDFEib_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OUDka5-2FfkximORZqVosgH98PNT45A-2BCd5Mzhf31ruFmo4XDJNDA-2FzS6fkEXbeKUsx8RIh0QCEouHbiKVojBfnKtsuBhPBjxoXqJXBSr1QJZAjTOJOEaWp-2BwaV4SKdY5vSeo6YL32VpIlrB2d-2BiYicZ1eQC4VQa4b2NimDkCFIjtAoun4E9jh-2BBjbWh8a7XEEo860teT8VmTgsZqa5ACIQ-2Fs-3D).) When Jesus tells the parable of the sheep and the goats, he speaks of the Son of Man as a king who gathers all the nations of the world before him, and he separates “people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats” (v. 32). The king says to the sheep, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you ... for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me” (vv. 34-36). Then the people who are good sheep say to him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” (vv. 37-39). And the king answers them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.” This passage makes clear that we can see Jesus in people who are hungry or thirsty, in prison or in need of a warm welcome. In the sixth century, Benedict of Nursia developed a rule for monastic life that stressed hospitality to strangers, a practice grounded in Christ's identification with the stranger in Matthew 25. Benedict called for monks to show special concern for children, guests and the poor (Rule of Benedict 31:1, 9). When we serve children, guests and the poor, we are really serving Jesus. > **Questions:** How does your Christian faith motivate you to give to people in need? When, if ever, have you sensed the presence of the risen Christ when you have helped a vulnerable neighbor? **2 Corinthians 9:6-8***The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not regretfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.* (For context, read [2 Corinthians 9:6-15](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx5N3asDrM8aLtAZM6HVDt1axPw0mEFFx3ceGR74DJha3UgzEptdhs-2FquzOsdhhM8Otq1o_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OYClPPSRcsQNE1tE6IQR5KdgFksATSdEcVBFMfr9LiaXlbdgPouazOvH4B8nuAM9ew1eCTTejePrtVZwM31f31HNN5kaTSHADjHSsP0QOAB9lR0NHOINIW722FIpN33XdoZ0VaXjveg0ijBd6iw026cn1pNSF1wK-2BJnjGifQtomOrVqT2h3QfOrrdZIypWPZrpbzG3dxHXMQ9n3YC6vr21k-3D).) In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul is writing to a group of followers of Christ in the wealthy Greek city of Corinth. He reminds them that they have promised to give him a “bountiful gift” for the poor of Jerusalem (9:5). Although he describes this as a completely voluntary gift, it is clear that he expects the Corinthians to be generous in their support, and he promises many rewards for their giving. For Paul, true happiness is found in what you give, not in what you receive. God “loves a cheerful giver,” he tells them, ramping up the very first Christian stewardship campaign. If you want God to provide you “with every blessing in abundance,” then you are to “share abundantly in every good work.” The key to being enriched in every way is to show “great generosity” (v. 11). And the glorification of God comes from “the generosity of your partnership with [the poor of Jerusalem] and with all others” (v. 13). Paul's point is that you receive the most by giving the most. > **Questions:** Why do you think God loves a cheerful giver? When, if ever, have you found yourself to be enriched by your generosity? How does your church follow the example of Paul in caring for poor Christian brothers and sisters? Why is this an important expression of faith? **For Further Discussion** 1. The book of Esther is an “invitation to eat, drink, and be merry, and to celebrate survival,” says TWW Team Member Frank Ramirez. But it also contains an invitation to give gifts at a time of festival. In Esther 9:22, the people are encouraged to send “gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor.” Besides Advent and Christmas, what are some other festivals that encourage generous giving? What would be the value of generosity at other times of the year? 2. As the “testing your church” videos spread, some people bristled at the content creator's methods. “Calling a church and then shaming it for screening what could be a scam call isn't fair,” said Ed Stetzer, an evangelical speaker and writer, [to](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0VdJfz0bkOyXLd9JTOjRFUNoZTaOriczsNqBPmmXEzNr3Fv-2FUKqunQPRyjf8FNNgYP37n37WWGKwUn29jqAK88UJK6B_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OY0jaoAdDNlJyrSXBG5ZHFhbg63YKabd80CMjQ6g-2FSHalVumLFVxXNWfiKMP3FmfWI6R4UBBh7ShVemd8gmh9fwyilk-2B-2BHjYaHNCymc1ExQ3d-2B6DKHany-2BRdnDyv8XMQr4XTGLsCUg4mRQzsk21U9ZrjLe4lA-2Fg6purxfReosqAlva9WrCcTuBS9AeSFep9siQ2RupgF60FMj8NZMpHXauo-3D) [*The Washington Post*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0VdJfz0bkOyXLd9JTOjRFUNoZTaOriczsNqBPmmXEzNr3Fv-2FUKqunQPRyjf8FNNgYP37n37WWGKwUn29jqAK88UwlV4_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OZPY9UrawdJqi2kuIK3Z1aipKdRWIwIqvulQbrO5Xc9jQUx6f9J0AAlLMgDmU5nlAJFnUsxrYmZEBGR1gx-2BGIxdrFj26QcexT3-2F-2FZxJZsDixgboTaD-2FkM8oJk91QVqkzdit9ey7N77SbwGlXyRIw6uLMMyJondKFdG44bqx0soqYm8B0aH1q5CCyhyl-2Bys0TebHBrrpDESiZVqHD-2BX2Us9A-3D). “And recording calls to busy church offices isn't the best gauge of how much churches are helping their communities,” he said. Fair or not? What do you think? 3. On average, Protestant churchgoers in the United States also donate a new item to at least one ministry or charitable organization during the holiday season, [according to](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOLfAH0t-2BLCFDkq-2BbjeFACRaV0s7q5NUR0eSjSr5vjvp9SGWPsx6DiLMITeCLCdHq36c1GA1hkg-2BglCptFhcOEhaGRNnuiB1wD5DyEK3NUlfEAqF_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OQZF410tASgORDjZlISIEgnzrh7MroIlT01UL-2BCk3CiLlwU6HY7pVolsUZ1Nq28LoxbjjGKrxTLm6cG534q9FZ-2BpGpFFUFRu63hn1pwQTfI8t9KSHdGnTWO43z-2FeonRYs3hqQe-2F7-2FD2E-2BLsILmsrbR2CHLyAsnH-2FS9P-2Fyz-2BcBpqPTAkujUuxOF7L6yuItOC4EJ577DhdoW-2ByeheCOwUAI9o-3D) [*ReligionUplugged*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOLfAH0t-2BLCFDkq-2BbjeFACRaV0s7q5NUR0eSjSr5vjvp9SGWPsx6DiLMITeCLCdHq36c1GA1hkg-2BglCptFhcOEhaGRNnuiB1wD5DyEK3NUlfkDdA_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OSSJsz-2BYX0i-2B8DZwt-2FFb8oKtszfF-2FFZtdDzFLBmYggBd11Vo2reK-2FcpaSJhNvuPKQOc4X0dO959Q2MuHohEhL6riEEeVoluw1NplyY4Kz-2BY8YDiY7dnGx2jyjsraLgV3pL1Le1TdXifKPR9XiGW8hM2QBWn34ujdRt2ngwi0Rub1KmuAgJp4HtfyvKnk-2BbqCdUnyIl3HTTLgjBav2gH7Mtw-3D)[.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOLfAH0t-2BLCFDkq-2BbjeFACRaV0s7q5NUR0eSjSr5vjvp9SGWPsx6DiLMITeCLCdHq36c1GA1hkg-2BglCptFhcOEhaGRNnuiB1wD5DyEK3NUlfwl3Y_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9Of-2BXHFmUTv-2BrMGpQrlzHEceJ78dge4OG7U7-2F-2BIZAM0IGbm4PPhb02OWEEGouT79pGqzr-2BQvU4-2BF71vpsVUi0qox6QLL23grcOtizFa4p3VqDsUdNvJxHIolt4pwvcrJ5CCYoUUG5DAIRKrv3yEMUD-2BBf6CydLgO7A65awhoc77VOyiKEiPeIorrCmS42c1PUr3mgedjdkjvyaR1CFXxH6eo-3D) Three in four (76%) say they made a physical donation to at least one cause last year. The numbers: “Churchgoers are most likely to have donated food for a local food bank (45%) or items collected by their church to help others (40%). ... Around one in eight (13%) donated Angel Tree gifts for Prison Fellowship.” What item have you given to church or a charity at Christmas, if any, and what was your motivation? When have you donated time or talent or acts of service? How was it connected to your Christian faith? 4. If the gift of Jesus Christ at Christmas is God's greatest gift to you, how is your giving an expression of your gratitude? What links do you see between divine generosity and human generosity? **Responding to the News** Make an additional contribution at Christmas, as an expression of your faith. Could be a gift of food, a monetary gift or a voluntary act of service. **Prayer** We thank you, God, for loving the world so much that you gave us your Son at Christmas. May we respond with generous giving of our own, in ways that help the least of our brothers and sisters. As we serve them, may we encounter our risen Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen. ****Copyright 2025 Communication Resources**** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=QdpZSSO7sDuQSVKCLVsoXImsa7qt-6bMahY69727MnhoMDAwdTAwMPT4ym4fDgt5SuKycnsZBjQ2L2QUnYX3d9TQ4H_YqUo-EbBPdC7bRokn5R291NGnFD0et2z9ZSghlhtE9p6GvPvPCiC90vGhCFhVvU2UnhTSdzRjEH00mIeN9GXt7e5nnWGqdWoo3hG2izGMedrE454GffgLZJGu3RJ9aTjcqV1W5vFR6AgZI5Rf5pTiZBpn0kAIb_shsAOMnztyJ07aHXgOgQlXadLLrqtofKcUv-sGxbJnr9iWbibSo1rHpy5wmitePzmbrIrwYJss36dLLiL6OJ0bU9y9N5l7phJGUdhYcE6QCbcZimB2N4vKuojnr1VEJmE7qST6hWS4p-Awp5YLnubBoNOYIfTmGwRkf1oD84k-MB2l01VbgLayP810o3CpG433lNMvl83JhoSR3Rg0PIm8IpHK3xThH6fz94tcVtJoAuPIHRfciWqQa257Lix2eR8JoYw2uVBsXi0PmJ9wLjY870BNwlr43vycYfzi17JC8EhxAhBpN2syksQx-CbapGFyc7WnU6PPrO5b9lkPKJkqYGGroz-i9X56iBxtp3L_m_eruliJssCRRSEh0N77r7_HVweqFWKPP6n3YnA=) <div>Dear Class Members, We thank the subscriber who sent us a story about a pastor who fell for a TikTok stunt and sparked a debate on Christian charity. Combined with reports of Christmas giving by churchgoers, the TikTok story leads us to focus this installment of The Wired Word on generosity, giving, and the Christian obligation to respond to the needs of others. <center><img src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/></center> Churchgoers Are Generous at Christmas, Especially to Neighbors in Need The Wired Word for the Week of December 21, 2025 In the News This fall, the pastor of a small congregation in Kentucky picked up the phone and received a request for help. “I have a 2-month-old baby,” said a young woman to pastor Johnny Dunbar. “And I ran out of formula last night. I was wanting to see if y'all could help with formula.” According to The Washington Post, Dunbar had been wondering how families in his Appalachian community would deal with a loss of food assistance because of the federal government shutdown. Grabbing a pen and paper, he asked how much formula she needed and made arrangements for delivery. Dunbar had no idea that his conversation would be replayed millions of times over the internet. The caller was not really a needy young woman. Instead, she was an internet content creator who was making calls to test churches on their response to neighbors in need. The content creator, who goes by the name Nikalie Monroe, put a recording of the call on TikTok and ignited a national debate on how congregations should respond to random calls for help. The content creator presented the TikTok videos, titled “testing your church,” as a social experiment. She wanted to see if Christian organizations were truly committed to the biblical mandate to feed the hungry. Her videos drew millions of viewers and inspired conversations across social media. Responses included praise for Dunbar and criticism of churches that refused to help. “I'm so lucky I got it right that day,” Dunbar said. “Because so often I get it wrong.” Many viewers said they were inspired to donate to Dunbar's church, which raised more than $95,000 after the video went viral, according to a church administrator. Said one viewer, “This lesbian atheist just donated $100.” A second video, posted later that day, showed the response of another church in Kentucky. In that case, the caller was told to reach out to a local nonprofit or government office. Another church responded by saying that they could not help, and suggested that she call a different local church. The religious organizations that responded positively to the content creator's call included a mosque in Charlotte, a Buddhist temple in Chapel Hill and several Protestant churches across the South and the Midwest. Lakewood Church, the Houston megachurch, said it would review her request in a process that could take weeks. While debate raged about the appropriateness of this TikTok test, surveys reveal that giving among churchgoers surges at Christmas, especially toward local needs. According to Religion Uplugged, more than four in five Protestant churchgoers in the United States say they typically make an extra monetary donation this time of year. “There is no shortage of opportunities and numerous requests for donations at Christmastime,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, “and most churchgoers do give charitably at this time of year.” Average Protestant churchgoers say they typically make financial donations at Christmas to two types of causes, in addition to any regular giving they do. Half of churchgoers say they give to their church's efforts to help those in need. One in five donates to a local Christian ministry. “Since almost all Protestant churchgoers <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPAuRKjrfiGwRkpy3YxlTTb5v09Ow3IHl0dBtZ0svAXtHXta9XseRmACEcJ4RseHimaBpUWAwfuJOg-2FZbdXbTiHMVuBTyQMOiZFjd-2BnY0mg-2BxqGqCcMDbGxWIZxx041HmHA-3D-3DexH1\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9Oa0qjaEF0auzGm5KxY4BO4OPLH4etCCfhd2T2at6LsePWMiq9sVNuakaHj7yis0z9v69HWdUPjMjW1g5hxgDiwRRCUOl1-2FBsOrcqD6vQHqyUa1XXFvcn24qSa-2B17YPRxh3uVp3bEYbt-2FInSgXKOhmlUKn2y8FRkdwNzFcMZBJah6p-2FBFM34mYp-2BT8zEhGJaJ1Y8XeQE0rgJHjqaP-2FnVTdBg-3D">attend at Christmastime</a>, it is not surprising that they participate in financial giving opportunities at their church the most. And in the giving spirit, gifts in which the church helps others are far more popular than things that benefit the operation of the church itself,” said McConnell. In addition, Americans gave $4 billion on GivingTuesday this year, a big gain over last year, when the total was $3.6 billion. Woodrow Rosenbaum, the chief data officer for the nonprofit “GivingTuesday,” said to The Associated Press that both the number of people giving and the overall donation amount may have increased this year as people seek a sense of belonging and connection. “Generosity is a really powerful way to get that,” he said. “But I think mostly it's just that when people see need, they want to do something about it.” A large portion of charitable giving happens at the end of the calendar year, and GivingTuesday helps to launch what nonprofits consider to be the season of giving. More on this story can be found at these links: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0VdJfz0bkOyXLd9JTOjRFUNoZTaOriczsNqBPmmXEzNr3Fv-2FUKqunQPRyjf8FNNgYP37n37WWGKwUn29jqAK88UUUZX\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OVbEpDlFgP1oD3NGbW8rdyQyzLf-2Fa8nf3qgTXnl7RrmCyyXYPNXrsRmeaV9pptzQHSlQqvmH0nqq9rtXO0C0NCF17ibiV5O29qjvM4Edha6x0Ef39FHgH9nOr6Fx1nVFy-2Fq2luJGn8r9y21ejFnLAaJRvnr26wJ8fdSt-2BWY4j-2BKcW6-2F7fNF6GXb4XyPcMUrL6X6JDEp5Fco-2BGgndsjImrdI-3D">This Pastor Fell for a TikTok Stunt and Sparked a Debate on Christian Charity. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0VdJfz0bkOyXLd9JTOjRFUNoZTaOriczsNqBPmmXEzNr3Fv-2FUKqunQPRyjf8FNNgYP37n37WWGKwUn29jqAK88U5OFT\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9ORliYMz-2B7eavyJ78n-2BS8JKFWavcyFqzm9OQsly8d3Yc0AaVDApYQ6iS40fpARuq2l5X1ixwf2RFqHNCIB3VKRvAXY-2F3qmJr78sUE7SlHWOUWVnbAvbG-2BIs6fJLh2rTaXZt8VlferelViJ3-2FFVOhPdRsKViNJoCXq9xbSHWHJ-2Fv2-2BLx7-2FPtYxdaY0XehrZfYUl0IlPYmCmwWD41uS00YGBK4-3D">The Washington Post</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOLfAH0t-2BLCFDkq-2BbjeFACRaV0s7q5NUR0eSjSr5vjvp9SGWPsx6DiLMITeCLCdHq36c1GA1hkg-2BglCptFhcOEhaGRNnuiB1wD5DyEK3NUlfxJps\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OXHDQEzDftnyiBXuifQxQKyf06TdPq8HYyPB2a3Dhif8upj3y9dju-2B4hAFTy-2FNoizovQFM1wM5dEZvDsCEkxt3hLLCrZhzv-2FVjFHgS3zsGzyCQlKBfh-2F5mritmEF9zWmA6J0r-2B3XTy7ZB1Uf7N5B1wY-2B5BCoxa4w1eHcyw5W74HIbq8yCpVf-2Bft5Wt1SuLZOrD9W6eLAqEPrlsdERIvjVkM-3D">Christmas Giving Surges Among Churchgoers, Especially Toward Local Needs. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOLfAH0t-2BLCFDkq-2BbjeFACRaV0s7q5NUR0eSjSr5vjvp9SGWPsx6DiLMITeCLCdHq36c1GA1hkg-2BglCptFhcOEhaGRNnuiB1wD5DyEK3NUlfGYC3\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9ObP5Ucmwq9JPLiu4qu98hOUXaAA3nHnmp7zSHA9c-2B0p5LrWEhQ-2FzWjAci-2BvThKp5cxxzCRGq5-2BpJ9GFEIYDgDVl9B02DBRgfpv7OQhyNNbnFsVkuda7kMP9fsxsH2cKk-2FNQJVkJx6OT7bhArZvNa8Vti2-2BWdHvEIihXTfkyDmv98rBcTpkYbe02SoovtVW0n69NxA-2B10VrUiHyDU67hiVXI-3D">ReligionUplugged</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPI1OCgc0JwHKeA79n6Q8N2vVnJfnaCshpKGDuI-2Fqu3kUNyMEMxytCac19rUu-2F9PTBa6X-2FMz7dIQ8yRXQX0GeBfmh4Y3rXfs-2FUo8If2lShrqkAcaL\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OWlk2yWwMBpVBM6XpbUuujcpwOd9bc3qN7qHQrq8yyz4zM-2FRVG-2BdRbHi5VNNwAiRyC3MBsgkitHpYhRpn4osBMIkMyC1mILL2gCsfLVslJaLL7vhVdf1PmA1Vs0eDl-2BN0oQJCyughi-2FQlmY9BtL8oVqxZEy5q3g1n-2Bm-2BNPxW0P6zD8VoujqeQAzt1qdMMbxM4FHFTqR2juI2caUk2yHtUoo-3D">Americans Gave $4B on GivingTuesday 2025 as Donations and Volunteering Gain Big Over Last Year. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPI1OCgc0JwHKeA79n6Q8N2vVnJfnaCshpKGDuI-2Fqu3kUNyMEMxytCac19rUu-2F9PTBa6X-2FMz7dIQ8yRXQX0GeBfmh4Y3rXfs-2FUo8If2lShrqk9YVF\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OeyGC4gWimyyWpanWsRF6t3QATq89Q839EdExwGAeWhtxw0u7ZMaIC53oPGSwZkFqTKoNpsrXazDa-2FPC5yqor7BfinY7NsyZEW-2Fg0NvZRQ6Kwx5qgVdkwrgY6qT7FqT8UYFimjBQbjj4qyL3cn8eGEpNw-2FWEKlwRW6Js5hHitmNeu9V6eC-2FXRHIP5gqXSYvH5xd2DmUQE0fc-2BSh0jNxa5o0-3D">The</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPI1OCgc0JwHKeA79n6Q8N2vVnJfnaCshpKGDuI-2Fqu3kUNyMEMxytCac19rUu-2F9PTBa6X-2FMz7dIQ8yRXQX0GeBfmh4Y3rXfs-2FUo8If2lShrqkRlxz\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OUx-2FKcn0LiJGWCnQHKBXDa-2F-2FPnDGSS1c0Z-2B-2Bh-2FveIfEcUXbp7U4YMX3b-2BWvZ6wNkzS6FbXn1u6w04lbQdYibIc1DxEgcPNKlZvPVUw-2BdGX9eQkhWWVruOUbcImv2xLtqyqrDNaIiANDrcDuzo1EVFX8mhSzcKecvAvvxG9YuN8i-2FNi3qkvLITW2kj7NOdpu3sFxv4Y9jRW6AQpj4CRj-2B4vA-3D"> </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPI1OCgc0JwHKeA79n6Q8N2vVnJfnaCshpKGDuI-2Fqu3kUNyMEMxytCac19rUu-2F9PTBa6X-2FMz7dIQ8yRXQX0GeBfmh4Y3rXfs-2FUo8If2lShrqkpKVi\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9ORQy3TRuLLif5-2Bj-2BR3ZxbeaIDaTWlaOv8NCeGZWjnZr65PxgnGBqmkBIa1bYSvGATRX8sehZItMelHuKj8mHHECMlwyBlli6SBzOMFrCQ73uWbSJdFyqqkEioi5EKdQxzdOSHiRL0tu91vYGHRtUVC-2B3dsW44BlgxcuKr-2BiG83WTE857PLFUk5f0LaYpknphpwXqqpIPFquH2KsUeyJ4LEI-3D">Associated Press</a> Applying the News Story Reflect on your personal pattern of giving and whether you make additional donations at Christmas. Discuss the portion of your giving that is directed to people in need and what motivates such giving. Talk about your church budget and the ways in which it fits with your understanding of Christian obligations or expectations. The Big Questions 1. How does your congregation respond to random calls for help? What does it mean, in the words of pastor Johnny Dunbar, to get it right or to “get it wrong”? 2. What motivates your personal generosity to individuals, church and nonprofits? Be specific. 3. Describe the portion of your giving that is monetary and the portion that is given in food, toiletries, diapers and clothing to people in need? Which type of generosity is most satisfying and effective, and why? 4. If you make extra gifts at Christmas, why do you do this? If not, why not? 5. Why is giving a Christian obligation or expectation? How is generosity encouraged in your church community, and why is this an important part of your Christian faith and practice? Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: 1 Kings 17:8-9 Then the word of the LORD came to [Elijah], saying, “Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there, for I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxfg8cQo5t8kKCb0xyK-2Be5CoKUf0fffNJKFnzv2bNgCzT1DX3XvvgDuS7n3hdAoATcFbKA\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OfnmrC79RsMgvr3leXA8xpfIyfD-2BcbivF5u8h28RfR-2B56qYPKf8Bu63igPSazxGwRW8xJWrT01YRXzQYtK41ObJz1v-2F-2FrfuRCP6r2YkUgS4PzVIahjcNCTUpcOv07CsIzLXFURJopX2mIHMEKhkDx4aCapNlTOSBiJCSBW7PKfch-2BUCISYqsWHogQhq32XcN-2BhbC2dpfFaTHbKNXVAB5Nlo-3D">1 Kings 17:8-16.</a>) In 1 Kings 17, the prophet Elijah is sent by God from Israel to the city of Zarephath, near the foreign town of Sidon. Zarephath was a Phoenician commercial capital known for its exports including wine, grain and oil. And yet, it was not prospering at the moment Elijah was sent there because the region was suffering from a terrible drought. This becomes clear to Elijah as soon as he arrives at the gate of the city. A destitute widow is gathering sticks so that she can make a fire, prepare a few cakes, eat them with her son, and then die. The future looks bleak for her, but Elijah remembers the promise of God -- that a widow in Zarephath would feed him. He knows that his God has commanded giving and generosity, even in a time of drought and deprivation. So, Elijah says to the woman, “Bring me a little water in a vessel” (v. 10). The widow looks at him, probably wondering if this is the man of Israel that she has been commanded to feed. She knows that he is a foreigner and that he worships a different God. But since a vessel of water is not an outrageous request, she turns to get some for him. As she is going, Elijah calls to her and says, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand” (v. 11). She stops and says, “As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar and a little oil in a jug” (v. 12). She has no bread, not even a morsel to offer, and she cannot imagine where in the world she will get some. But Elijah believes in God's promise, and he will not give up. “Do not be afraid,” says the prophet to the widow; “go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the LORD the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth” (vv. 13-14). This is the promise of generosity, delivered by Elijah: With God, a little goes a long way, and there is always enough. The widow does as the prophet asks, and both Elijah and her household are able to eat “for many days” (v. 15). <blockquote> Questions: What does the widow of Zarephath teach you about giving and generosity? When have you discovered that, with God's help, there is always enough? </blockquote> Matthew 2:10-11 When [the magi] saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDdLXUaH-2BvpSi2yXpMv0R4Ct3GxAN2QSSbB1-2FRO4BUFmi-rYQ\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OZBmKROlAOVXQ-2BcyxQr-2F56PsTqFFo-2BZVcNC8O3T9uqkZ7jJ7ZsO6Qp5ExxJktYFpMLgvMpW95TlNYyzyuVo8qWeFjarqfZfbcHp5T8UgF7hbr7jrZqWy1LS4BB3ADQ7h2oUCw2VDXhzVmseNRlFGn8Rftlu0DjRR0isEae3-2FNmg0FF-2BNuKMc1JJ3R0RNDufHx6Od7BKzF5E1-2BvyKccYbHDI-3D">Matthew 2:1-12</a>.) We call them “kings” when we sing about them in the carol, “We Three Kings of Orient Are.” We often say they were “wise men.” But really, they were “magi,” as the original Greek of the New Testament calls them. Magi were people who studied the stars, part of a group of Persian priests. They were not connected to the people of Israel, they had no loyalty to King Herod, and they would have known little about the ancient prophecies of the coming of the Jewish Messiah. They were outsiders, following a star as a good scientist might do today. The gospel of Matthew tells us that the Magi traveled from the east to Jerusalem, following a star. In Jerusalem, they began to ask around, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage” (v. 2). When King Herod heard this, he was frightened. He did not want his kingship to be threatened by a rival, especially the Messiah. And since he was not a very faithful Jew himself, he had to ask the chief priests and scribes where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “Bethlehem” (v. 5). Herod summoned the Magi and asked them to tell him the exact time when the star appeared. Then he said to them, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage” (v. 8). Herod was scared of Jesus, so he attempted to manipulate the Magi into revealing the baby's location. The Magi succeeded in finding Jesus and they knelt down before him. They were “overwhelmed with joy,” and opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Gold represented wealth and power. Frankincense was a type of incense and perfume. Myrrh was used in ancient Egypt as part of the embalming process, and it was also added to the oil used for anointing kings. These were generous gifts, given with joy. <blockquote> Questions: When has the presence of Jesus inspired you to offer a generous gift? What did you feel when you offered the gift? What was the effect on you and on the recipient? </blockquote> Matthew 25:40 And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.” (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDcVRcnTBIowhZZwDlMqPEdNSp8fMb1gt-2B-2BBSeaqSjRVDFEib\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OUDka5-2FfkximORZqVosgH98PNT45A-2BCd5Mzhf31ruFmo4XDJNDA-2FzS6fkEXbeKUsx8RIh0QCEouHbiKVojBfnKtsuBhPBjxoXqJXBSr1QJZAjTOJOEaWp-2BwaV4SKdY5vSeo6YL32VpIlrB2d-2BiYicZ1eQC4VQa4b2NimDkCFIjtAoun4E9jh-2BBjbWh8a7XEEo860teT8VmTgsZqa5ACIQ-2Fs-3D">Matthew 25:31-46</a>.) When Jesus tells the parable of the sheep and the goats, he speaks of the Son of Man as a king who gathers all the nations of the world before him, and he separates “people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats” (v. 32). The king says to the sheep, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you ... for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me” (vv. 34-36). Then the people who are good sheep say to him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” (vv. 37-39). And the king answers them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.” This passage makes clear that we can see Jesus in people who are hungry or thirsty, in prison or in need of a warm welcome. In the sixth century, Benedict of Nursia developed a rule for monastic life that stressed hospitality to strangers, a practice grounded in Christ's identification with the stranger in Matthew 25. Benedict called for monks to show special concern for children, guests and the poor (Rule of Benedict 31:1, 9). When we serve children, guests and the poor, we are really serving Jesus. <blockquote> Questions: How does your Christian faith motivate you to give to people in need? When, if ever, have you sensed the presence of the risen Christ when you have helped a vulnerable neighbor? </blockquote> 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not regretfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx5N3asDrM8aLtAZM6HVDt1axPw0mEFFx3ceGR74DJha3UgzEptdhs-2FquzOsdhhM8Otq1o\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OYClPPSRcsQNE1tE6IQR5KdgFksATSdEcVBFMfr9LiaXlbdgPouazOvH4B8nuAM9ew1eCTTejePrtVZwM31f31HNN5kaTSHADjHSsP0QOAB9lR0NHOINIW722FIpN33XdoZ0VaXjveg0ijBd6iw026cn1pNSF1wK-2BJnjGifQtomOrVqT2h3QfOrrdZIypWPZrpbzG3dxHXMQ9n3YC6vr21k-3D">2 Corinthians 9:6-15</a>.) In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul is writing to a group of followers of Christ in the wealthy Greek city of Corinth. He reminds them that they have promised to give him a “bountiful gift” for the poor of Jerusalem (9:5). Although he describes this as a completely voluntary gift, it is clear that he expects the Corinthians to be generous in their support, and he promises many rewards for their giving. For Paul, true happiness is found in what you give, not in what you receive. God “loves a cheerful giver,” he tells them, ramping up the very first Christian stewardship campaign. If you want God to provide you “with every blessing in abundance,” then you are to “share abundantly in every good work.” The key to being enriched in every way is to show “great generosity” (v. 11). And the glorification of God comes from “the generosity of your partnership with [the poor of Jerusalem] and with all others” (v. 13). Paul's point is that you receive the most by giving the most. <blockquote> Questions: Why do you think God loves a cheerful giver? When, if ever, have you found yourself to be enriched by your generosity? How does your church follow the example of Paul in caring for poor Christian brothers and sisters? Why is this an important expression of faith? </blockquote> For Further Discussion 1. The book of Esther is an “invitation to eat, drink, and be merry, and to celebrate survival,” says TWW Team Member Frank Ramirez. But it also contains an invitation to give gifts at a time of festival. In Esther 9:22, the people are encouraged to send “gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor.” Besides Advent and Christmas, what are some other festivals that encourage generous giving? What would be the value of generosity at other times of the year? 2. As the “testing your church” videos spread, some people bristled at the content creator's methods. “Calling a church and then shaming it for screening what could be a scam call isn't fair,” said Ed Stetzer, an evangelical speaker and writer, <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0VdJfz0bkOyXLd9JTOjRFUNoZTaOriczsNqBPmmXEzNr3Fv-2FUKqunQPRyjf8FNNgYP37n37WWGKwUn29jqAK88UJK6B\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OY0jaoAdDNlJyrSXBG5ZHFhbg63YKabd80CMjQ6g-2FSHalVumLFVxXNWfiKMP3FmfWI6R4UBBh7ShVemd8gmh9fwyilk-2B-2BHjYaHNCymc1ExQ3d-2B6DKHany-2BRdnDyv8XMQr4XTGLsCUg4mRQzsk21U9ZrjLe4lA-2Fg6purxfReosqAlva9WrCcTuBS9AeSFep9siQ2RupgF60FMj8NZMpHXauo-3D">to </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0VdJfz0bkOyXLd9JTOjRFUNoZTaOriczsNqBPmmXEzNr3Fv-2FUKqunQPRyjf8FNNgYP37n37WWGKwUn29jqAK88UwlV4\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OZPY9UrawdJqi2kuIK3Z1aipKdRWIwIqvulQbrO5Xc9jQUx6f9J0AAlLMgDmU5nlAJFnUsxrYmZEBGR1gx-2BGIxdrFj26QcexT3-2F-2FZxJZsDixgboTaD-2FkM8oJk91QVqkzdit9ey7N77SbwGlXyRIw6uLMMyJondKFdG44bqx0soqYm8B0aH1q5CCyhyl-2Bys0TebHBrrpDESiZVqHD-2BX2Us9A-3D">The Washington Post</a>. “And recording calls to busy church offices isn't the best gauge of how much churches are helping their communities,” he said. Fair or not? What do you think? 3. On average, Protestant churchgoers in the United States also donate a new item to at least one ministry or charitable organization during the holiday season, <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOLfAH0t-2BLCFDkq-2BbjeFACRaV0s7q5NUR0eSjSr5vjvp9SGWPsx6DiLMITeCLCdHq36c1GA1hkg-2BglCptFhcOEhaGRNnuiB1wD5DyEK3NUlfEAqF\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OQZF410tASgORDjZlISIEgnzrh7MroIlT01UL-2BCk3CiLlwU6HY7pVolsUZ1Nq28LoxbjjGKrxTLm6cG534q9FZ-2BpGpFFUFRu63hn1pwQTfI8t9KSHdGnTWO43z-2FeonRYs3hqQe-2F7-2FD2E-2BLsILmsrbR2CHLyAsnH-2FS9P-2Fyz-2BcBpqPTAkujUuxOF7L6yuItOC4EJ577DhdoW-2ByeheCOwUAI9o-3D">according to </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOLfAH0t-2BLCFDkq-2BbjeFACRaV0s7q5NUR0eSjSr5vjvp9SGWPsx6DiLMITeCLCdHq36c1GA1hkg-2BglCptFhcOEhaGRNnuiB1wD5DyEK3NUlfkDdA\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9OSSJsz-2BYX0i-2B8DZwt-2FFb8oKtszfF-2FFZtdDzFLBmYggBd11Vo2reK-2FcpaSJhNvuPKQOc4X0dO959Q2MuHohEhL6riEEeVoluw1NplyY4Kz-2BY8YDiY7dnGx2jyjsraLgV3pL1Le1TdXifKPR9XiGW8hM2QBWn34ujdRt2ngwi0Rub1KmuAgJp4HtfyvKnk-2BbqCdUnyIl3HTTLgjBav2gH7Mtw-3D">ReligionUplugged</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOLfAH0t-2BLCFDkq-2BbjeFACRaV0s7q5NUR0eSjSr5vjvp9SGWPsx6DiLMITeCLCdHq36c1GA1hkg-2BglCptFhcOEhaGRNnuiB1wD5DyEK3NUlfwl3Y\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmWQxb1B1LhedcrITADGoVqoQdegdUe1emHt6BYa08ylRVLCKa-2BhhS-2FRMbtKG-2BU-2B9Of-2BXHFmUTv-2BrMGpQrlzHEceJ78dge4OG7U7-2F-2BIZAM0IGbm4PPhb02OWEEGouT79pGqzr-2BQvU4-2BF71vpsVUi0qox6QLL23grcOtizFa4p3VqDsUdNvJxHIolt4pwvcrJ5CCYoUUG5DAIRKrv3yEMUD-2BBf6CydLgO7A65awhoc77VOyiKEiPeIorrCmS42c1PUr3mgedjdkjvyaR1CFXxH6eo-3D">.</a> Three in four (76%) say they made a physical donation to at least one cause last year. The numbers: “Churchgoers are most likely to have donated food for a local food bank (45%) or items collected by their church to help others (40%). ... Around one in eight (13%) donated Angel Tree gifts for Prison Fellowship.” What item have you given to church or a charity at Christmas, if any, and what was your motivation? When have you donated time or talent or acts of service? How was it connected to your Christian faith? 4. If the gift of Jesus Christ at Christmas is God's greatest gift to you, how is your giving an expression of your gratitude? What links do you see between divine generosity and human generosity? Responding to the News Make an additional contribution at Christmas, as an expression of your faith. Could be a gift of food, a monetary gift or a voluntary act of service. Prayer We thank you, God, for loving the world so much that you gave us your Son at Christmas. May we respond with generous giving of our own, in ways that help the least of our brothers and sisters. As we serve them, may we encounter our risen Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen. Copyright 2025 Communication Resources <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user\_id=14323725&data=QdpZSSO7sDuQSVKCLVsoXImsa7qt-6bMahY69727MnhoMDAwdTAwMPT4ym4fDgt5SuKycnsZBjQ2L2QUnYX3d9TQ4H\_YqUo-EbBPdC7bRokn5R291NGnFD0et2z9ZSghlhtE9p6GvPvPCiC90vGhCFhVvU2UnhTSdzRjEH00mIeN9GXt7e5nnWGqdWoo3hG2izGMedrE454GffgLZJGu3RJ9aTjcqV1W5vFR6AgZI5Rf5pTiZBpn0kAIb\_shsAOMnztyJ07aHXgOgQlXadLLrqtofKcUv-sGxbJnr9iWbibSo1rHpy5wmitePzmbrIrwYJss36dLLiL6OJ0bU9y9N5l7phJGUdhYcE6QCbcZimB2N4vKuojnr1VEJmE7qST6hWS4p-Awp5YLnubBoNOYIfTmGwRkf1oD84k-MB2l01VbgLayP810o3CpG433lNMvl83JhoSR3Rg0PIm8IpHK3xThH6fz94tcVtJoAuPIHRfciWqQa257Lix2eR8JoYw2uVBsXi0PmJ9wLjY870BNwlr43vycYfzi17JC8EhxAhBpN2syksQx-CbapGFyc7WnU6PPrO5b9lkPKJkqYGGroz-i9X56iBxtp3L\_m\_eruliJssCRRSEh0N77r7\_HVweqFWKPP6n3YnA=">Unsubscribe From This List</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/open?upn=u001.ri3TO7QGEXgsxcVdo6-2BoAGTuuWiDEfH5lVjP7AVQ-2Bcl7JaDKdeJ1ydQkXpTFAEqRD2SOncm40jgMuVls37ZLseTP-2Bc5kaLjFJf1Q3kw4FZdt1YoCkYWvLa1l-2BT-2F-2F8yIUiLbFHrmn64p2Xwmffzl3edR6Ty8TRKnThBIufHec6MYr94WZQxWVvMWvfNqNZdVSm2JpSP2sJuJ7h3Z8Ne0G7phqBmWW1dVS-2Fd57PwPO5vAjf4fUcpACLzyFjd2MwGxh38C5rI-2FGeMlx0TZVekJqC5DxNAHlGYJYESFYinVImZnUgZXKG6QC3h3WMXMYakgmH71f3HnYk2N5ZGDe3LcfgPRQiIhyJCrai7P1TcdI7-2BbsPG5JgCEIItKZhD7DOuMP3Z6uagNdq9mKAgydSm9-2BXXxNrnMBhUZV4EeSm1PQ4ocF-2BwlPtAQZUHdVrNZl5PiDCgaWaEXVBuRzpP8xrAacqqEPHpek2D85q-2Bz9QTLrTzM-3D" style="height:1px !important;width:1px !important;border-width:0 !important;margin-top:0 !important;margin-bottom:0 !important;margin-right:0 !important;margin-left:0 !important;padding-top:0 !important;padding-bottom:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;" width="1"/> </div>, The Wired Word for 12/21/2025, The Wired Word, 01kcrtf1yg62bw9tsd0zggfp5d.