In the oft-quoted letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, he describes charity as the greatest of all the virtues.

The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church expands on that and says that charity is “directed primarily towards God; but it is also owed to ourselves and our neighbours as the objects of God’s love. Its natural opposite is hatred, which may also take the negative form of indifference.”

This subject came to mind last week with the news that Americans are more generous than Canadians in donating to charities. The B.C.-based Fraser Institute found that Americans donate 1.5% of their income to charities compared to Canadians who give .7% of theirs. If Canadians were as generous, says the Fraser Institute, Canadian charities would have an additional $7 billion to spend.

The institute’s policy analyst, Sylvia Roy, speculated that one reason for the difference may be that there is a “strong philanthropic tradition in the U.S.” She does not say this but there is also a much higher church attendance in the U.S. than in Canada. About 60% of Americans attend church regularly, compared to about 20% of Canadians.

It is interesting that this study appeared just before Christmas. This is the time of year when this great virtue of charity is most evident in almost everyone. People are touched by the plight of those less fortunate—the poor, the homeless, children. Food banks and Christmas gift and hamper campaigns collect thousands of dollars worth of goods to help others join in the celebration and festivities.

Why? Our culture is increasingly non-Christian or post-Christian. The news media have run many stories this year of businesses which refuse to use the word “Christmas” or allow religious displays focused on the Christian message of the birth of Christ.

And yet, most ordinary people still wish each other Merry Christmas. There is no other holiday that evokes so much generosity, so much giving, so much “charity” as Christmas.

This “charity” is true love. It is not a financial arrangement or a business transaction. It is a genuine reaching out to help and love other people.

It is evoked because people respond to the Christ story—a baby born to parents who had nowhere to go. He was born in a stable but welcomed by angels and shepherds and eventually kings. He changed the world. And even those who are non-Christian are touched and respond at Christmas time.

For pro-life people it is an especially inspirational story. A young, unmarried, pregnant woman accepted God’s will and gave birth to Jesus Christ. Her life was not easy and she did not shirk the difficulties she faced. She trusted in God and He walked with her through all the trials and pain.

The Christmas story mirrors the experience of women in crisis pregnancies. Theirs is not an easy decision and their lives are challenging, no matter which choice they make. The decision to carry the baby and give it birth reflects God’s will, His plan. He will not take away the problems and pain but He will be there with strength and grace.

It’s also a story for us. Our work defending life in a hostile culture is difficult and often unrewarding in worldly terms. We are chronically short of money and our message is an unpopular one. The pro-death message—which is essentially a self-hating philosophy—appears to triumph in political, cultural and media circles. We often feel alone, isolated and scorned.

And yet, again at Christmas time, we recollect and review. We are the recipients of great charity. So many people, organizations and families have expressed their love and support for our organizations and our work. Several hundred people donate to Alberta Pro-Life every single month. Many donate their time and talent to help us send out fundraising letters or mail our newsletters. Others volunteer to deliver copies of The Rose to local churches and other interested organizations.

These are acts of true charity. There is no commercial or financial return. You cannot claim your help, your time or your cash donation on your income tax return. Alberta Pro-Life does not have charitable status.

No, those of you who support us in any way do it out of love, pure and unselfish. It overcomes the hatred and indifference. It is indeed, the greatest virtue and we are thankful that so many of you show us such charity.

Bless you all and we wish all of you a very joyous and blessed Christmas.