I looked out on the beautiful snowfall this morning and was reminded of the wonderful season that approaches us. It is truly one of my favorites, despite the continual need for shoveling, salting, and shivering.

To me, it’s so exciting to think of the wonderful gift our God bestowed upon us through the infant Jesus who was presented to us in a manger so many years ago. God humbled Himself to take on flesh, entering our world helpless and vulnerable so that He could live the sinless life we can’t. And most importantly, take on the dues we are owed for our many and continual failings during our lifetime.

It is this spirit of mercy and generosity that flows through the fellowship and love we spread during these cold winter months. It is when we gather closer, and huddle for warmth and fellowship that we get to better experience the love of Christ through the care of image bearers He has cast around us.

But this season is also conflicted, in that the world tells us to consume, prioritize self, and pushes us to near frenzy in shopping and sales and the never-ending hunt for tokens to appease our baser needs. Black Friday can be so dark in so many ways. From obsession over wants to aggressive competition for sales, it fosters a spirit that often feels like the antithesis of God’s selfless gift to this world.

This is one of the reasons why we have Giving Tuesday after the shopping frenzy of this weekend. It allows us to give back in ways that are difficult when we live our lives day to day focused on our own survival and growth. It presents a reminder to focus on selfless generosity, of not forgetting to give to those in need, and to create blessing after blessing using the wonderful bounty and provision that God gives us through our work and income.

So this Giving Tuesday, I would humbly ask that you please pray, and think about OCA as we prepare to return to a more normal schedule for our little ones next summer. We can use every blessing you are willing to share so that we can continue in His will. Donations can be given through our donation page here.

Thank you for remembering us this season. May our God bless each one of you for your generosity, and remembrance of the mercy and hope God has given us through the birth of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.