I don’t know about you, but this morning, it felt just a little more like Christmas than usual didn’t it? Yesterday was the first Sunday of the advent season and I have to tell you, I was revived and encouraged being with you all!
Isn’t it amazing that the days get a little darker, the temperature drops, we hear a forecast of snow and all of a sudden, the spirit lightens, the stress from a busy fall fades away, school starting, work loads getting heavier and business year’s end seems a million miles away as you begin to think about Christmas parties, bonuses, raises, family, traditions, children, gift-giving, time off, relationships and much more!
So, as you find your heart strangely warmed by thoughts of Christmas movies and nativity scenes, let’s not overlook one very important part of the season… Helping others. St. Nicholas was not the first, but possibly the most well-remembered (Santa Claus) that focused on the giving of the season. If you would like to read more about his life, click here. And his life of secret gift-giving. You know, it was Jesus that said when we do our giving, we should do it in secret. The part I like about that verse is the implied, “when.” You know, he didn’t say “if.” He said “when!”
Giving is a requirement! And do you know what’s funny about this? This is NOT a sermon or a talk to encourage you to give to the church. Do you know why? Because Lori and I so believe in this church, that we are always willing to do what we did in the beginning and cover EVERY cost. It cost us everything to start and we are always willing to give what we have to keep it going and right now church, we are totally supported by your gifts. So, all the applause goes to YOU!
Actually, I want to encourage some secret giving this season. I know this may pull money for the ministry, but that doesn’t bother me at all. I want to encourage every one of us to do an equal if not double amount of giving this year off in secret that we do in public! That could also include your time.
I mean, there are tons of soup kitchens, homeless shleters, and outreaches that could use your time, old items and finance. Find at least one and do some extravagant giving!!!!
What about this? We have a ministry to the poor that feeds the homeless. What about contacting Seung and Hoang and saying, “Hey, I want to give to it. Or even better yet, I want to give my time to this!” And then go give!
What about finding a family in your neighborhood or that you know that might need a little pick-me-up during the season and making them a loaf of pumpkin bread or even just a visit?
What about visiting a retirement home and taking cookies or something. It doesn’t matter if they know you. Some of them don’t remember their own families, so any person is a good as the next. They simply NEED relationship!
And then there is one of my favorites. There is GSF. (Go Spread Fire). GSF will be doing outreach in Rockville and DC as usual this weekend. So, Saturday, I encourage you to come with us and let’s do something. Let’s give back. Hide out for a minute from the rush and flow of the season and come with us to pray, minister, do outreach (sharing smiles), do kid’s ministry in inner-city DC (making friends) and have a renewal service (renewing relationship) where we will reconnect with GOD together. Guys, it’s going to be great and you are invited. It starts at 8AM, but you are welcome to join us at any point during the day. Click here for a schedule and come. Let’s go together and Remember the reason for the season.
The Reason is Jesus! Didn’t he say that when you do it for the least of these, you do it for me? People in need don’t need us, they need Jesus. However, we need them so we can SEE Jesus! Let’s go look for where our Father is working and join HIM. Let’s go find Jesus. Let’s go give back to our Lord through kind acts to others.
Let’s GO!
You be the SANTA!
Well guys, have a wonderful Christmas Season. I look forward to spending some of it with you, especially for the Christmas party,(see last week’s post for details). You are the greatest family in the universe… the Tapestry! WOOT!
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