It’s a conspiracy of the seasons!

Wednesday I was at Guyton Elementary School selecting names from their giving tree. They started with 91 and as the deadline has approached too many names were still unclaimed on the tree. I spent a little bit collecting names and stopped at 10. I looked again and wanted to take all of the rest still hanging. I could not but I wanted too. The counselor was thrilled like I had done something. All I could think of was the names yet on the “tree.” In my mind I had not done enough. How do you think Jesus’ heart hurt seeing and knowing of the misery yet in this world and still leaving to return home to heaven? Yet, the rest of the day I was thrilled that we had 10 nameless-names that Crossroads could bless in small simple ways this Christmas.

There is a great blessing in the order of the season. Thanksgiving first followed by Christmas. That blessing is found in the word thanksgiving. First is Thanks. A day where we are grateful for the blessings found in any and every situation of life. A real opportunity to consider God’s provision and be overwhelmed and thankful for his expressions of love. If we do that gratitude wells up like a spring bursting from the ground and the only appropriate response is to share by “giving.” Christmas is giving. As God has given his only son Jesus. The greatest gift ever so we who are grateful at Thanksgiving have this incredible opportunity to let our overflowing gratitude become real tangible giving to family, friends and complete “nameless” strangers. It’s a conspiracy of the seasons! Isn’t it wonderful?

I admit it brings a smile to my face and energy to living when there is a need I can meet. Maybe that is the pastor in me or maybe not. That is probably more like the Jesus-follower in me. He looks at us with great compassion and caring for our situation and plight. We see that in the countless acts of healing and never more so than on the cross as witnessed in the Gospels.  To be part of the solution even in the simplest gesture or activity is to be like Jesus. He is the goal of our salvation and life process God began and is at work accomplishing. It’s hard to imagine I can participate in God’s great mission through “nameless-names.” I find it delightful and depressing at the same moment.

That’s enough of “word smith-ing” for today. I’ve got clothes and toys to buy for “nameless-names” to enjoy this Christmas. Gifts given in the name of Jesus even if the recipient may not know that.

 

God knows and applauds.

It’s a conspiracy indeed to transform the world through love!

 

It works best in small ways!

 

In HIS Service and yours,

Bro G