Christmas – Ways to Give the Gift of Life
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! In seasons like these, it can be easy to be swept up by the commercial holiday fun with Christmas lights, hot cocoa, colder weather, and more. There are so many activities that give you a chance to stop and spend time with those you love, like Zoo Lights in Lincoln Park, the Christkindlmarket in downtown Chicago, Christmas parties, baking cookies, or even caroling. All of these are such great things to do!
Amidst all of the festivities, it’s important to remember why we have the Christmas season to celebrate in the first place. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus, our savior, came humbly as a baby, with the sole purpose of redeeming us. Jesus, who became fully God and fully human, chose to enter the world by a womb through a woman. Jesus, the ultimate servant, saving us when we do not deserve it.
To follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ in our name’s sake of Christian, “little Christ”, we must remember that Christmas time is not only a time to spend with family, but to give to those in need, just as Jesus did. To love others through our actions as Jesus did for us.
Ways to Serve
If you have this call, to serve others and give, we want to bring to your attention the women who are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, who have recently had an abortion, or are new mothers who lack support from loved ones. These women need support and love and there are practical ways you can serve them this holiday season.
Give
Donate material supplies as a family! Have your kids go shopping with you or collect gently used baby clothing from your friends & neighbors. Then bring these to one of our many Baby Banks in the area where mothers can pick them up in times of need.
Give financially to Caring Network as a way to support our mission and our work. Now through the end of the year, we have been blessed with a dollar-for-dollar matching gift up to $100,000! You can double your impact to reach & save more lives through your generosity.
Participate
Caring Network’s clinics and other pregnancy resource centers like us provide tangible services to women facing unplanned pregnancies in the community. Often, volunteers are needed to help with hands-on roles, as well as prayer support. Find out more about how you can utilize your unique talents and skills. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Caring Network, click here.
Local churches also may provide services and programs that help those in need in your community. Reach out to your church or parish staff to learn more about how you can participate in serving those around you. Do you know someone personally who is going through a tough time? Reach out to those who are hurting within your social or professional circles and offer to walk alongside them in their time of need.
During this holiday season, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle. Regardless of the time of year or the busyness around us, Caring Network’s mission remains the same. We’re here to eliminate the suffering from and desire for abortion in the state of Illinois. We do that by supporting women in their time of need and providing practical services for women facing unplanned pregnancy – all at no cost. Our mission cannot be fulfilled without the support of others. To learn more about how to get involved this holiday season or throughout the year, reach out to us today!