The Associated Press is reporting today on a most unusual Christmas gift. An anonymous tipster in Kansas City, Missouri was eligible to receive a $40,000 reward for providing information which led to an arrest in a murder case. But the person has refused the reward, asking that it go instead to a charity established in the victim's name.

Ali Kemp was a 19-year-old college student who was strangled two years ago. Thousands of leads were generated, though none produced an arrest. But the information given by the anonymous caller led to Benjamin Appleby, who is now charged with capital murder and attempted rape. The tipster has asked that the reward go to the Ali Kemp Educational Foundation, which offers scholarships to high school students and training in self-defense.

Such anonymous kindness is at the heart of the Santa Claus tradition. You may know the story: a St. Nicholas was bishop of the fourth-century church in Myra (in western Turkey today). Nicholas is reputed to have given marriage dowries anonymously to three girls who would have otherwise been forced into prostitution. Over time, his reputation grew until he became the patron saint of Russia and Greece. In Holland he was known as Sinterklaas (a Dutch version of "Saint Nicholas"). When Dutch colonists took his story with them to the New World, Americans called him Santa Claus. And the rest is history.

Anonymous giving is a commendable part of Christmas celebration still. Jesus told us to give in such a way that you "do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret" (Matthew 6:3-4). With this result: "Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (v. 4).

So while we give presents with name cards attached, let's also look for ways to imitate the anonymous first Santa Claus. Volunteer at a local benevolence center where the clients don't know your name. Give your church money to help a family with its bills. Participate in a toy, food, or clothing drive to benefit children in your community. Write anonymous notes of encouragement and appreciation to leaders in your church or community. Give an unnamed expression of your gratitude to someone who has helped you this year.

You'll probably experience an odd mixture of feelings. You'll be glad you helped others, but you'll wonder how they responded to your gift. Part of you will wish they knew that you were the giver, but another part will be glad you gave for no reason except kindness. Choose to affirm that part. Your Father already does.

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