Among the words that I remember on the occasion of the Feast of the Nativity is what was said about His Incarnation [our Lord's], that He, "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). This is a lesson for our lives, that we too ought to go "about doing good."

     From a constructive perspective, it is very important to do good to everyone, so that all those who meet us on the path of life will gain goodness by all means. The Holy Bible speaks of this concept: "to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (James 4:17). Hence, sin is not merely the commission of evil or impure acts, but also the omission of good deeds. This is true not only in the New Testament, but also in the Old Testament. Scripture says, "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, 'Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,' when you have it with you" (Proverbs 3:27-28).

     Goodness is not only in materialistic giving, but also in spiritual giving. Examples of spiritual giving are ministry, words of kindness, advice, benefit, consolation, gentleness, and of compliment, by which you gain friends. Doing good is leading people to goodness: "A soft answer turns away wrath" (Proverbs 15:1).

     You are able to do good by comforting wearisome souls, as the Lord Jesus Christ said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Also, you can do good by having a joyful, smiling appearance. By this, people will be pleased when they see you.

     Finally, you do good if you are able to share in missionary work, by conveying the word of God to those who do not know it, or through conveying the faith to unbelievers. Thus ministry in the Church is doing good. Do not let Satan plant weeds that cause divisions and egotism.

     My beloved sons and daughters, place this principle in front of you this New Year, so that each day you do not do good, you do not count as a day of your lives.

     God created you in His image, and He is the Beneficent One. Likewise, be beneficent, as in the image of Your Heavenly Father. Do not wait until people ask of this good for themselves, but rather offer it before they ask.

     May you possess the sensitivity towards the needs of others, and present it to them, and may you satisfy those needs before you are asked. May you also possess the sensitivity with which you realize what makes people happy and try to please them. In this manner, you go "about doing good".

~ His Holiness Pope Shenouda III

     The giving of gifts is a timeless tradition associated with the birth of our Lord. Upon arriving in Bethlehem, the wise men presented our Savior with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gold was given as a symbol recognizing that the Divine Child is the King of kings; the frankincense represented His priesthood, and the myrrh foretold the suffering He would endure on behalf of humanity.

     Today, we continue the tradition of sharing gifts with our family and friends as a gesture of love. BLESS USA offers the opportunity to give a gift to your family/friends by contributing in their name to the Brethren of the Lord (the less fortunate).

What does that mean?

     Instead of buying a present for family/friends, make a contribution in their name to the Brethren of the Lord. In that way, you have served the Lord's Brethren on behalf of your loved one(s) and given to a cause that is important to them.

How do I participate?