“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”And he said to him,“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40

We live in a world that doesn’t seem to exactly be filled with love at the moment. However, love is something that humans desire to have and give. To love others is one of greatest things that we can do. In fact, it is so important that Jesus called it “the second greatest commandment”. Loving others can happen in many different ways: consoling a hurting friend, donating money to a charity, or collecting cans for a food drive. One of my favorite ways to show love is volunteering.

Volunteering has proven itself to be extremely beneficial, not only to the people who benefit from it, but also to the volunteers. Volunteering has many health benefits. It can help reduce stress, lower cholesterol, boost self-esteem, and help with pain management. Volunteering also looks good on your resume as you apply for future jobs. By volunteering, you become well acquainted with other people. This socialization can help you as you begin to form opinions about the world.

However, we should not volunteer because of what WE can get out of it. As Christians, we are called to love others. Our intention in helping and befriending others should always be to love wholeheartedly so that we can proclaim Christ’s love for us.

One of my favorite organizations to be involved with is Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child is a children’s ministry operated by the Samaritan’s Purse. The organization delivers boxes filled with gifts to children all over the world. Along with every box is a course that teaches the children about Jesus. Not only does this organization supply children with gifts like they have never had before, they also teach God’s word in order to lead them to Christ.

How can you get involved? Operation Christmas Child relies heavily on us to supply the boxes. Churches, small groups, and even schools can get involved by asking their members to bring in boxes. Another way to be involved is to schedule a visit to the Operation Christmas Child processing centers located around the country. At the processing center, you will check boxes for appropriate items, tape them, and pack them in boxes to be shipped across the globe.

To pack your box, you will need a regular sized shoe box. If you want to wrap this box in decorative paper then you will need to wrap the lid and the box separately. Secondly, you will need to decide the age group and gender that you would like to send a gift to. Next, you will need to buy appropriate gifts for the age group and gender you chose. There are some restricted items that they ask for you not to include. If you choose to pack a box, be sure to carefully examine the list. Finally, Operation Christmas Child asks that you pray for the child that will be receiving the box.

If you are looking bring ultimate joy and happiness to a child this Christmas, I incite you to work with Operation Christmas Child. By sharing the love of Christ, these children’s lives will be changed forever.