Going “Green” This Christmas

Luke 3:7-11


In the midst of “Advent 1 – Jesus on the horizon,” John the Baptizer is calling for a change of heart from the religious majority as they hide behind their safe connection to Abraham. John replies, “God can make children from stones if he wants. What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming?” I can see the crowd hustling and bustling during a busy time of year. Half listening with one ear while going through the lists in their mind of all the things they have yet to do, driving them at such a rapid pace in their life. One just now musing over the “brood” part of his message more concerned with image than content, “What did he just call me?” Yet, some heard John’s call, as they asked “What shall we do?”

“BE GREEN – be full of life for others… if you have the luxury of two coats, give one away.” In other words, can those who need coats get them and do those who possess coats also possess the insight to give them? Be green and blossoming in your life’s actions. Note that I said insight to give, not ability. If I were to count the coats alone in my house, I would see that have the ability to give. But do I have the insight into what God calls me to be and what I truly can do? For giving without rearranging the conditions that created the injustice, becomes giving out of excess and not out of the heart. Green is a movement to make a difference in one’s conditions as well as in my life.

As you check your list, give with the insight of rearranging the conditions in life. Pick one where you can make a difference and then stay connected and committed to making that life changing difference - that’s the GREEN of giving.