When a tailor makes and sells a garment, only one service is performed, that of putting clothes on a body. The same is true of a cobbler making and selling a pair of shoes; the only service in this case is to put shoes on the feet. But when a person makes a gift to another person, of money or some object, a double service is performed. First, the receiver derives a material benefit from the gift. Second, the giver derives a spiritual benefit, because this act of generosity will have brought a blessing to his soul. And there can even be a third service: if the receiver is filled with humble gratitude that will be a blessing to that person's soul. Imagine a society in which no one sold anything, but everyone shared freely their skills and wealth. Then every action in that society would bring not only material benefits, but spiritual benefits also. Such societies already exists in miniature: families operate in this way. How wonderful it would be if villages and towns could become like large families. Then heaven would come down to earth.

- St. John Chrysostom

Thus the joy of continual giving. Imagine if Christmas were all year round. Imagine if we took care of each other - first those closest to us in our families and our friends, and then ever widening our circles. Last year I went to the St. Joseph table at my church, a communal supper and fundraiser to give money to feed the poor in our parish throughout the year. What if each parish had not just one St. Joseph table, but several throughout the year. And it not only fed but clothed and sheltered the needy in the parish. And then perhaps those not "in" the parish, but in the nearby community. How great the world would be if we gave not just on holidays and parties, but all the time!