Here we are again in my favorite season, Christmas! Oh, how I love this beautiful season that ushers in the birth of Jesus. We may not know the exact day of His birth. But we know the occurrence of His birth without a doubt. Just the thought of a baby’s birth brings us delightful joy. Even more so, the birth of Jesus brings glad tidings. Furthermore, for me, the Christmas season is a time to share the love of Jesus with the less fortunate. “Twelve Gifts Of Christmas!”
Last year, I asked you, dear readers, to take on the challenge of giving gifts to others for 12 days. Thank you again to those of you who took the challenge and made someone else’s life more joyful. Again, I offer you another challenge. This one I call, “Twelve Gifts Of Christmas!” You do not have to give gifts in 12 days to 12 different individuals or spend a lot of money. However creatively you do it, someone, or a few someones, will experience joy.
Accordingly, this year, my plan was to prepare another twelve bags for homeless individuals. With each bag containing a warm sherpa throw. There is great joy for me in doing that. Nevertheless, someone requested that it be a project for our church’s Mothers’ Board. Wonderful idea! Well, little did I know I would still have an opportunity to share more gifts. To make this not so long. About two weeks ago, at my daughter’s church here in Houston (I am still in Houston), a visiting pastor from Kenya spoke and told his story growing up. Many hardships, but the Lord saw him through.
At the end of the service, the congregation was invited to join World Vision in adopting a Kenyan child and sponsoring that child for $39.00/month. Sponsors do not choose the child; the child chooses the sponsor. All sponsors’ pictures were taken to Kenya for the children to look at and choose from.
Without a doubt, I knew this was something I wanted to do wholeheartedly. Thus, by the time you view this post, I will have a Kenyan child who chose me. Such an exciting time for the children and the sponsors. For the next 12 months and beyond, my gift will continue to provide food, clothing, and other essentials to a child in need. “Twelve Gifts Of Christmas!” This is the season to give love, joy, and comfort to others.
Will you take the challenge and give twelve gifts this season or beyond? You may not be able to sponsor a child or make Christmas bags. Nevertheless, something as simple as you helping someone with small things to make their life easier is a blessing. One day, I was looking for something for my daughter at Kroger. For the world, I could not find it. Finally, someone overheard me asking a store employee where I should look. This shopper said she would find it for me. She left her groceries and found it. She, even after checking out her groceries, took me to the location of the item. So sweet of her and a gift to me. The little things can really mean a lot to the recipient.
I look forward to hearing your stories. Please take the challenge and share. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10. I’ll return next week with a new post, “Jesus Is Christmas!”
Be encouraged, and God bless!
Sister Jackie