Many of us spend a lot of time in search of perfect Christmas gifts—gifts that communicate to friends and family how much we know and love them. For those of us who gather in Advent expectation, we know that the only perfect gift ever given was the one we received in Jesus Christ.
The Christmas Joy Offering celebrates the coming of Jesus Christ, the “perfect gift” from a gracious God, and helps us respond to God’s gift with generous gifts that support church leaders—retired, present, and future—who have pointed us to God. For church workers in need of financial help, whether due to declining health or a catastrophic event, the Christmas Joy Offering provides for those needs through the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions. The Christmas Joy Offering also supports new leaders for our church and world, through the ministry of Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color.
When we receive the Christmas Joy Offering on Sunday, December 17, may you give generously in thanksgiving to God for the most perfect gift of all, the gift of Jesus Christ.