Preparing for What Is Yet to Come

Tomorrow is when we put all the “Christmas Shoeboxes” together for “Operation Christmas Child”. They collect gifts that are packed in shoeboxes and them shipped to villages around the world, for many kids who have never received a gift. Along with the gifts is the presentation of the gospel, the good news of Jesus. Many of these children ask the question, “Who is this that cares about me?” It is explained that through the love of Jesus, they are precious in His sight. They have people already prepared to disciple those that want to grow in their relationship with God. These boxes don’t just come together. There are many that are collecting items throughout the year such as toothbrushes, combs, wash-clothes, notebooks, pencils, coloring books, markers, toys, shirts, socks, etc. As we get closer, people are reminded that they can put their own boxes together to send out. If they didn’t want to do a box on their own but wanted to help, they could bring individual gifts to the church, give financially so we could buy what was needed, and also give money for mailing. The congregation has been so generous. Well, today we put the gifts out in categories so that they can be found more easily. We ended up with about 10 of the 8ft tables full of items. This process took half the morning and much of the afternoon to prepare. We had many unmade shoeboxes that needed to be assembled too. It was a long day, but it makes it all worth it when we put the boxes together tomorrow. Some encouraging verses are, 1 John 3:17, “But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” Luke 6:33, “If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.” Hebrews 13:16, “And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” God wants us to care for others and if doing so gives opportunities to share about Jesus, then all the better. Let us be prepared. Let us be deliberate. Let us do so freely, because God doesn’t want us to serve out of obligation, but to give of ourselves. Father, thank You for so many generous people that give of themselves so that others might hear Your word. Amen