Be a Christmas Blessing

by

Perspectives

JUSTICE TAKES COURAGE | December 18, 2024

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel.” (which means “God is with Us”) Matthew 1:23 (NIV)

Close to one billion people worldwide are facing food insecurity this Christmas. Caused by climate change, health constraints, access to clean water, war and prolonged famine, we are in a global hunger crisis.

According to the 2024 United Nations World Food Program, upwards of 757 million people worldwide are facing chronic hunger — that’s 1 in 11 people in the world who are not consuming enough food for an active, healthy life.

In 2023, according to the Food Research Action Center, about 47 million Americans, 1 in 7, experienced food insecurity.

“We lament that too many of the world’s people lack the basic resources necessary for survival and we pledge ourselves to work toward the eradication of the roots and effects of poverty.” Economic Community, Newly Adopted United Methodist Social Principles

As United Methodists, we are called to care for the poor and share from our abundance with a compassionate response as we live our faith.

"The Bible reveals that helping those in need was not simply a matter of charity, but of responsibility, righteousness and Justice.” 2016 UMC Book of Resolutions #4051 Food, Justice and World Hunger

Today, Christmas has become a commercial success that drives the profits of retail businesses and leaves more debt behind with too many who are hungry and the poor barely noticed.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that consumer spending will go as high as $989 billion during the U.S. Christmas season. Two-thirds of most household holiday budgets will go toward gifts for ourselves, immediate family and friends.

Instead of making excuses, let’s make a difference.

Rather than accepting what we call holiday traditions let us begin to change what is unacceptable. Jesus was noted for telling his disciples to feed the people.

This Christmas, let us declare that increasing hunger around the globe and around the corner stops this year. Let’s make personal decisions that help to eradicate hunger and poverty.

Make a difference by giving your time, talent and treasure to your local church, as well as world hunger organizations that help those in serious need. Provide food for those in your community who would otherwise go hungry. Take a stand and offer your voice and support for government programs that address needs for the poor and hungry.

In 2011, Pastor Mike Slaughter wrote a very helpful and challenging book, “Christmas Is Not Your Birthday: Experience the Joy of Living and Giving like Jesus.” This book is still timely in its encouragement to give with joy and to give sacrificially.

This Christmas, how about we reflect on the very wonderful and world changing birth of Jesus who is the living declaration of “true God from true God,” a gift as the word became flesh for our salvation and liberation. (John 1:14). As you are blessed, be a blessing.

God Immanuel is with us and God is calling us to feed all the people and end world Hunger!

Be encouraged.

Bishop Julius C. Trimble

Bishop Julius C. Trimble serves as top executive of the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society based in Washington, D.C. Church and Society is the social justice arm of The United Methodist Church, carrying out the policies set by General Conference, the only body empowered to speak for the entire denomination.