Now that Christmas is behind us, our sights are set on the new year. But imagine if the hope, peace, and joy of Christmas didn’t just spill over into 2025, but actually defined it. One way to make that happen is by nurturing the spirit of generosity that Christmas is known for.

You might ask, “Does that mean buying people presents all year?” Not exactly. Generosity can take many forms — yes, it can be financial, but it can also be giving your time to volunteer or help others. According to researchers like Arthur Brooks, former president of the American Enterprise Institute and author of “Who Really Cares: America’s Charity Divide,” charitable giving enhances the prosperity, health, and happiness of the giver, while also uplifting communities and strengthening the nation. In other words, generous people contribute to a healthy and prosperous society.

So how do we foster an environment of generosity?

The American Bible Society’s 2024 annual report on Bible engagement points to a significant catalyst: reading your Bible. The report shows that those who prioritize reading Scripture consistently exemplify generosity. Of course, reading is just the first step; what matters is putting what we read into practice. As Proverbs 3 states: “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”

Ninety-four percent of Scripture-engaged Christians donated to charity last year, with 71% giving at least $1,000.

About one in six gave $10,000 or more. Even among those who read the Bible sporadically, three out of four still gave to charity, and one in three donated at least $1,000. In stark contrast, the average Bible-disengaged individual gave nothing.

These findings underscore a strong link between abiding in God’s Word and generously serving our fellow man.

Brooks’s research revealed the same pattern: religious faith and generosity go hand in hand. He wrote, “In years of research, I have never found a measurable way in which secularists are more charitable than religious people.” Those who invest heavily in their spiritual lives are 42% more likely to give than those who don’t.

A God-centered society is both moral and generous — and generosity fosters growth and prosperity, two pillars of a nation’s greatness.

What can we do in 2025 to encourage generosity, and with it, prosperity?

Get in the Word of God. Encourage others to do the same. Address public policies that marginalize faith. Since biblical faith is linked to generosity and societal well-being, we must work to remove policies that penalize Christian faith. Faith in Jesus Christ isn’t a private matter — it shapes our homes, schools, businesses, and communities. When we live it out publicly, society is transformed for the better, which means we must be free to do so.