You don’t have to overthink it. God calls us to love others by being kind to them. Put others before yourself. Allow empathy for others to nudge you into action.
Loving kindness during the Advent and Christmas season is more powerful than at other times of the year because the stress and difficulties of these few weeks magnify our need for a kind and gracious spirit.
Here is a practical, straightforward way that you and your family can practice the spiritual discipline of ‘loving kindness’ this Advent Season. Each day make it your goal to take on an act of kindness in the name of the Christ Child. And who knows? These simple acts of kindness may just bring you joy.
December 5: Go out of your way to open the door for a someone you don’t know.
December 6: Tell a server, check-out clerk, or retail salesperson that you appreciate their hard work.
December 7: Text someone you haven’t had contact with in some time and tell them that you’re thinking of them.
December 8: Give up a parking spot for someone else.
December 9: Feed the birds or other woodland creatures.
December 10: Buy a co-worker a cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa.
December 11: Give something that you have to someone who might need it.
December 12: Ask for the manager of a store or a restaurant, and then thank them. Then, take a moment to tell them what you enjoyed or valued about your experience.
December 13: Give someone a hug or a compliment.
December 14: Give a treat or encouraging word to your postal worker.
December 15: Pick out a person in a crowd and smile at them. Tell them you hope they have a good day.
December 16: Put money in a vending machine with a sticky note that instructs someone to simply make a selection.
December 17: Give a treat or an encouraging note to a neighbor you don’t know well.
December 18: Send an encouraging text to a friend or family member.
December 19: Buy a drink or treat for the person behind you in line at a restaurant.
December 20: Invite someone to our church’s Candlelight Christmas Eve Service.
December 21: Sweep a neighbor’s front walk or porch.
December 22: Call someone that you know who has lost a loved one this past year.
December 23: Get someone a cart at the grocery store and wish them a Merry Christmas.
December 24: Take a few Christmas cards to a nursing home or hospital and tell the staff to give them to patients or residents that need them.
December 25: Call or text someone that you’ve fallen out of touch with and wish them well on Christmas Day.
And finally, share with us what these encounters and acts of loving kindness were like for you and yours. Give testimony to the way that God blessed others through your efforts. We’re eager to know and to celebrate your good deeds and to give glory to God in heaven!