Even though it is currently in the mid-60s it is still Christmas time. I know that one of the things that my family tries to do this time of year is look for ideas on how to serve those around us.

Over Thanksgiving, I received an email from Dave Ramsey and Financial Peace University that had some creative and practical ideas for giving back and serving others this holiday season. I wanted to share them with you today in the hopes that you and your family might find an activity that you can do to help shine the light of Jesus into the lives of those within your sphere of influence or community.

The Apostle John tells the church, “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (1John 2:6)” Jesus lived in a way that he was a servant to all. Although he himself was God and deserved to be recognized and served, he became the servant and the example for how we should live. James, the brother of Jesus, tells us not to just listen to the word but to do what it says (James 1:22). Scripture tells us over and over again that followers of Jesus serve other people.

I want to encourage you to look at the ideas below and think of ways you can serve others and then… Go do it! Get excited about helping others. Find joy in serving others. Be thankful for all that God has blessed you with. Then after Christmas, do it some more! Make the month of December a trial run for serving others throughout 2013. Hopefully, these 10 suggestions can be a launching point for you to making Jesus famous all next year.

Thanks to Dave and FPU for these great challenges:

The best part is: You don’t have to sacrifice fun or fellowship to be generous with others. Below are 10 simple ways you can pay it forward this holiday season. So, grab your family, your friends, your coworkers, or your small group from church or Financial Peace University, and get to giving!

1. Plan a scrumptious (Christmas) meal complete with all the fixings, and determine how many families your group can feed. Then, contact a local food pantry for a list of families in need. Spend a Saturday shopping, cooking, and delivering the meals together.
2. Serve at a soup kitchen for the perfect (Christmas) reality check. Sign up ahead of time to make sure you can go as a group, and show up the morning of to give a warm smile and meal to people who rarely receive either.
3. Use (Holiday Shopping) to benefit others. Instead of frantically crossing items off your family’s wish list, go as a group to buy clothing items for people in need. Take advantage of the good deals, and donate your finds to a local homeless shelter.
4. Show love to your community by spending the afternoon cleaning it up. Depending on where you live, this might include raking leaves or shoveling snow. End the night with a chili cook-off that the whole neighborhood’s invited to!
5. Collect coupons as a group to stretch your dollar at the grocery store. Then, donate the goods to a local food pantry the week of Thanksgiving. Be sure to throw in a few special treats for the holiday.
6. Write notes of gratitude to soldiers from your community who are spending (Christmas) overseas. Put in a box full of basic necessities, fall candies and a calling card so they can connect with family at home.
7. Collect toys in anticipation of the Christmas season. Encourage your kids to give up a certain number of gently used toys in order to bless other kids who do without and to make room for new toys that are sure to come their way.
8. Repair a heating unit for a family in your community. Getting those fixed can be pretty pricey—an especially heavy burden during the holidays. Gather a fund and have it ready for this inevitable crisis.
9. Collect sweaters, scarves and coats and distribute them among your group. Keep the items handy in your car and be on the lookout for homeless in your city. When you see them, you’ll be able to pass along a bundle of warmth without hesitation.
10. Set aside extra cash at the beginning of the month. Give a generous tip to your waiter, the person at the checkout counter, the grocery bagger or your hair stylist.

When you give, do it with a welcoming spirit and a humble heart—remembering all that He’s given to you. Let’s make this (Christmas) season one that’s full of authentic addictive gratitude.

(Via)