I love Jesus. Christ miraculously transformed my life from darkness, guilt and fear to a life of abundant joy, hope and mercy. Even more wonderful, Jesus has promised to give me eternal life with Him in a place where there is no more sin, sickness, crying or death.

Each anniversary of the Savior’s transformation of my life, I seek an opportunity to do something for others in honor of Him. When I lived in New York City, I would often buy a meal for a homeless person. Now, sometimes, I will give an extra offering, typically to a missionary serving among the unreached. My favorite gift to give in His honor is to donate blood.

Although it is probably obvious, donating some of my blood in appreciation of Jesus’ merciful lovingkindness towards me is the closest I can come to mirroring Him shedding His blood for me. As it turns out, Jesus and I have the same blood type.

Some of you are probably wondering how I know I have the same blood type as the Savior. Consider this: For whom did Jesus shed His blood on Calvary? Everyone. Jesus died that “whosever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Jesus died for everyone. He is the universal Donor. 

My blood type is O-negative. People with O-negative blood are called “universal donors” because those with this blood type can give blood to anyone, no matter the recipient’s blood type. Spiritually, Jesus is the true universal Donor.

The next time I donate blood will be the 100th time I have shared some of this precious life-giving fluid with others. It will be a high day for me, physically and spiritually, and I plan on celebrating it by giving more gifts to others in gratitude to Christ.

This holiday season, I urge you to consider what gift you might share with the Savior in gratitude for saving you from sin and the grave. Perhaps you might give a donation. You may want to help an orphan, a widow, or someone else in need. You may even decide to donate blood to share life with others.

We would like you to consider giving another precious gift to Jesus: not only your blood but your life. Give Him control of your life, and consider whether He is calling you to pour out your heart and soul in sharing the everlasting gospel among those who have never had an opportunity to know Him. Come apart from the rush of the holidays and sit at His feet, praying that if it is His will, He will call you into service among the “least of these His brethren.”

We will be praying for you as you consider what gift you will give the Savior. Please contact us at service@afmonline.org, and we will help you.

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