| Around Christmas, our thoughts turn to buying gifts, | | | | who have less by participating in programs like |
| writing Christmas cards, planning the holiday meals and | | | | adopt-a-family and other church programs. There are |
| getting ready for Santa Claus to magically appear and | | | | opportunities to give gifts to women in homeless |
| bring gifts to the children. For many it is a time when | | | | shelters and provide gifts for their children. Other |
| the phrase, "it's better to give than receive" becomes a | | | | opportunities include buying gifts for those men and |
| very large part of their lives. Where did the phrase | | | | women in prison, such as toiletries and basic clothing |
| come originate? How do people honestly honor their | | | | like socks, toothbrushes and paste, deodorant and |
| feelings in regard to the phrase? The phrase comes | | | | such personal items that are allowed by the prison |
| from Acts 20:35 in the Bible. "I have shewed you all | | | | system. |
| things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the | | | | Christmas trees are displayed in stores where many |
| weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, | | | | Christmas presents are purchased during the season. |
| how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." | | | | Angel trees have paper angel hanging as decorations, |
| Many people have grown up hearing that said and | | | | with each angel bearing the name of a local family |
| have taken it to heart by honoring their teachings and | | | | who would not have a Christmas without a stranger's |
| showing great feeling in helping those in need. During | | | | help. The specific needs, wants, suggestions and sizes |
| the holiday season, more than any other, people are | | | | are listed on each angel with a specific family that is |
| reminded to share with those less fortunate. Some | | | | available for shoppers to pick. After looking at different |
| people don't have the time to spend helping others but | | | | families and choosing which family the shopper wants |
| instead donate money to worthy causes like | | | | to buy for, the paper angel is removed from the |
| adopt-a-family and food for the hungry. | | | | displayed Christmas tree. |
| Other people use their time to actually buy for those | | | | |