Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared.
- Nehemiah 8:10

When God’s people celebrate, those who have little always are blessed.

In today’s passage, Nehemiah encouraged the feasting crowd to include their neighbors. Perhaps these neighbors couldn’t afford to buy choice food and sweet drinks. Perhaps they just hadn’t done their shopping. Either way, Nehemiah wants to make sure that celebration spills over into generosity.

This pattern happens over and over again in communities of people who celebrate in Jesus’ name. Look at what the last few weeks have seen at Chatham Church:

• You all provided lots of food for the food pantry (over and above what you do every month)
• You gave 129 shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies and toiletries to children around the world via Operation Christmas Child
• We started Holiday Cheer last week (to provide Christmas gifts to local children in need) and every need was met before the 10:45 service even started

Many of you also participated in Giving Tuesday, invited neighbors over for turkey on Thanksgiving, and decorated your home/office for the holidays in a way that blessed your neighbors. This generosity is the sort of generosity that springs forth when God inspires his people to celebrate.

As you celebrate this holiday season, what extra steps can you take to include those who could use a little help?