Summer Block Party
May 20
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May 20
Learn More
May 20
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Ask almost anyone and they would say, we are in the Christmas season. There are parties, lights, shopping and so many festivities. I went to Toys-R-US and Walmart yesterday. I know, right? What was I thinking? It is crazy out there.
Ask anyone the meaning of Christmas and you will get varied answers. I googled “The Christmas Story” and what popped up was the 1983 holiday movie about the exploits of Ralphi Parker and his desire for the “Red Ryder air rifle.”
It seems Christmas has been relegated to being all about the perfect gift. What does one buy the person who has everything? But aren’t we missing something? When I read the first Christmas story the wise men were bringing gifts to Jesus who was, ironically, the gift to humankind. Why did we stop bringing gifts to Jesus? This past week I think I saw what bringing gifts to Jesus would look like.
The Single Moms Ministry is hosting a Christmas party for our single moms and children. Since it is a new ministry there is no budget to offset the expense. We prayed, asked and saw the body of Christ come together! We have food, gifts for the moms, gifts for all 36 kids and decorations. We have door prizes for the moms and six kiddos who win a door prize are going to take home a brand new bicycle. I am amazed! That is what Christmas is all about.
James tells us that “pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this; to visit orphans, and widows in their distress…(James 1:27). In Leviticus, the law reminds us to “save some of the harvest and fruit for the poor and stranger” (Leviticus 19:9). I think the author of Hebrews sums it up best, “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” 13:6
Giving gifts is a great tradition as long as we remember the message behind the gift giving. When we give gifts to the widows, orphans, elderly, single moms and dads or the poor, I believe it is as if we are bringing our gift to the King.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every family at Antioch blessed another family in some way? Not all gifts are purchased with money. Parents can make gifts with their kids or visit the sick or shut-ins. When I was a pre-teen and teenager I would visit the shut-ins from our church. Sometimes I would play the piano and sing, sometimes I would read to them and other times we would simply talk. Jesus said, “When you’ve done it to the least of these my brethren you’ve done it unto Me” (Matthew 25:40).
A fun way to give to another family is by making Christmas cards to give out. Check out this simple craft you can do as a family.
By Thresa Lawson – Children’s Pastor & Single Moms Ministry