In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. 2 This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. 3 Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. 4 Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. 5 He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant.6 While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom. Luke 2 1-7 CEB
During the Christmas season, my church donates food, pajamas, socks, and slippers to a residential facility outside of town. These people have nowhere else to go. They can’t afford a nursing home or their families just don’t have the means to take care of them. The place is not fancy. It’s a triple wide home with a woman who has a big heart. She provides them with a safe place to stay and helps them as much as she can.
You should have seen the smiles on those people’s faces as we brought their gifts and food. One lady knew that the church was coming so she had on her Sunday best. Another gentleman smiled because he was surprised I remembered his name. They were eager to sing hymns and to offer a prayer. Their hearts were warmed when they heard Luke 2 1-8, the story of the birth of Jesus. Just like a child was bringing hope to many on that night, we were bringing hope to those who were in need.
Before seeing those eager hearts and smiles, I was not in a cheerful mood. I was worn out from the morning service and I was dealing with my on issues. After seeing those people in their best and eager to share their faith, my issues faded away and I was filled with the love that I felt in the room. It made me very appreciative that I had a role of making their day better.
We are so caught up in the rush of the season that we forget that its the little things that matter during this holiday season. We made 6 people smile and felt loved by just sharing the essentials and the love of Christ. Imagine what impact we can have just by letting people know that they matter and that they are loved. The simplest of jesters can make a huge difference. Let us remember to take time out to remember the little things as we are rushing to make the perfect Christmas.
Stephon's Thoughts 