Looking beyond this Christmas season

Then [the king] will answer them,

‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these,

you did not do it to me.’

Matthew 25:45

Dear Friends,

Each week during our staff meeting, I read the upcoming Sunday’s scripture. So last week we read Jesus’ parable about the Sheep and the Goats from Matthew 25… we were all convicted by it. Isn’t it the case that there is always more that we can do for those in need? It is easy to go on a guilt or shame trip but I don’t think that is Jesus’ desire for us. I do believe it is Jesus’ desire and teaching that his followers be people who are compassionate and in action to alleviate the suffering in the world.

The holiday season has always been a time of gift-giving. For most of my childhood, looking forward to the presents under the tree certainly vied for the meaning of Christmas with the birth of Jesus! We give gifts to our family members, friends, and coworkers. This Christmas, I encourage you to look beyond those in your immediate relationship circle and to include those whom Jesus described as the least.

Last Saturday, I made a run to the store and they had bags of food items for $10 that could be purchased and placed in a bin for the Food Bank. So, I bought one. Be it Salvation Army ringers, adding a couple of dollars to your grocery bill, or sending a check to CLWR, there are many opportunities and worthwhile charities to contribute to.

You alone are not going to solve any of the world’s hunger, housing, or disease problems. But you can identify which one or ones the Holy Spirit is laying on your heart and to do what you can. It is inspiring to think that the $10 bag of food I bought helps one family make it through another day… or the donation to the Drop Inn Centre allows one more person to have a warm place to sleep on these cold nights… or the donation to the CLWR reaches across the oceans to give a family a goat to provide milk or chickens to provide eggs.

And Jesus says, “As you do it to the least of these my brothers and sisters, you do it to me.”

Find the joy by looking beyond this Holiday Season.

Peace,

Pastor Phil