GIFTING AT CHRISTMAS

There are no longer little ones at our house for Christmas. My daughter has two children.  One of them was married in May.  The other one graduates from high school this year. My son has two children.  One just graduated from college and the other is still in college.

I miss all of the excitement of their coming with little ones that are enchanted by the tree, the other decorations, and the anticipation of Santa and all the gifts he’ll bring. Now, we can hardly get them to put their phones down long enough to open gifts.

Because the children are older, we have had to find another way to bring about that excitement. We have found it in gifting, but not in the way you might think. There are always requests for money or toys for children that might not have the joy of opening gifts, and we often participate in those opportunities. What we really like to do is find someone we know that has a need, do something for them (preferably without their knowledge), and watch their excitement. The most wonderful part of this is that they can’t repay you. That’s what I love the most.

We learned a valuable lesson when we started doing this. It’s fun to do it all year. There is so much hurt, sadness, and need in this world. Right now, there is a sweet lady who has just returned from the hospital after a stay due to a car accident. She lives alone and needs a variety of things from her Christian friends. There is another lady who is bedridden, and she is currently in the hospital. She has had surgery, and we do not know when she will be able to return home. Christmas time is a hard time to be alone, to be hurt, to be sick, or to be in need.

I have friends that took their Thanksgiving to go on a mission trip, Another family sent money to a missionary who is struggling just to keep their home and provide food for the family. Another family gave money to buy Christmas gifts for a needy child when the expected donations did not come in. Those are just a few of the ones I know about. It can truly be said that the joy of this Christmas season is in the giving not the getting.

It’s not too late. You can do it anytime. As a family or individual, find a need and fulfill it. The one you help will be blessed, but you will be blessed even more.

Sandra Oliver

21 Years of Wasted Opportunities

Something made me know that he could not be well. One of my doctors is pretty old and feeble. But this day was different. He didn’t stand much. He rolled around on his little stool. He didn’t smell right as he got up in my face and examined me. His dress loafers were covered with dust.  I knew he had struggled to get dressed and be there to keep his appointments. So I asked someone in the outer office about him. “He has cancer,” she said….”He has no family and his life is very hard.” Then she went on to tell me that the office staff was having a holiday lunch together in the upcoming days and he was excited to go. “We want to cheer him up. We are even going bowling and we hope he can do it with us. We are his only family.”

So when I went back for the follow-up, I baked some bread and took some home-made jam. I put a card in there with pictures of my grandchildren and a note that gave him my personal contact info and asked him to let these children send “happy notes” to his mailbox,  just because “I could tell… you were not feeling up to par.”

When I went back, though, his staff told me that he was not there, but they would be sure he got the bag. As I conversed, the staff opened up to me once again and told me that he had called in and said he had fallen and he needed a few days to recover. His appointments would need to be postponed. But the fall turned out to be more serious. Days went by. The staff kept trying to call and check on him, but he rarely picked up. When he did, he said “Just leave me alone. I will be fine.”

At last, the upper level of office management sent the police to his apartment to check on him. Sure enough, the officers and paramedics notified back that he was being transported. “We cannot tell you where he is going, but if you call around the area hospitals, you will find him.”

All of this made me sad beyond words. This man, who has been my doctor for 21 years, was lying somewhere on the floor, for an extended period of time. Suddenly, he is finished. This man, who has always been so kind and genteel, is suddenly finished seeing patients. He is done getting together with his staff. He is somewhere in our city alone in a hospital room during the holidays and his condition is serious.

He will get my bag. He will read exactly how to be in touch with me and with our wonderful West Huntsville family. I pray he will be able to … and that he will allow us to be helpful to him, at this point. But I am not proud that I have known him for 21 years and have never known that he was without family. I never knew he had cancer. I never knew he might benefit from some goody bags and encouragement. Most importantly, I never addressed his soul. Granted, he may not have listened. But I could have spoken, even if his heart was not open. At the very least, I could have handed him a card that invited him to study the Bible with me. Did I even do that? 

My point is this, and it is directed first to my own self-absorption: There are people all around me who need the gospel. They may not know they need it and they may reject it from the start. But I may be the only conduit for the gospel for some of the people around me who are swiftly traveling to eternity. I want to be more aware of the mammoth responsibility I have to share the treasure. It’s a gospel that is big enough for the inclusion of every wiling soul I know. It is laced with the blood that is pure enough to save the vilest sinner I know. It is available only between the births and deaths of travelers on the earth. It is not up to me, whether or not people accept the biggest gift ever offered them. It’s just my privilege to verbalize to them the urgency of accepting the gift. Such a minute part to play in someone’s salvation. But am I even diligent to play my little part, in view of all He has done for me?

And do I often displace my mental motivation to mention Him in my selfish pursuit of temporal appointments, approval and acquisitions? I need to do better. I pray today that I will!

Cindy Colley

The Heart of the Grinch

Luke 6:45 “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good…”

I adore Christmas: twinkling lights on the rooftops, ornaments made long ago by tiny hands, Christmas carols blaring, and yes, even sappy Hallmark movies.

Recently, I watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas. (Disclaimer: If by any small chance you have not seen it, stop now and watch it or forfeit your right to complain when I spoil the ending.) The Grinch hated everything about Christmas. As the song says, his “heart was an empty hole.” So, the Grinch lived alone on the outskirts of the Christmas-obsessed town of Whoville. In anger, the Grinch stole every symbol of Christmas from Whoville. But, to his surprise, the town celebrated without gifts, decorations, or Christmas feast. And despite it all, little Cindy Lou Who and all Whoville offered the Grinch the best Christmas gifts ever: unconditional love, forgiveness, and mercy. After receiving these gifts, the heart of the Grinch grew three times its size and he came to the realization, “Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

In Scripture, greedy Zacchaeus most likely lived a lonely Grinch-type life. Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, stole from the people of Jericho. But in Luke 19, we find Zacchaeus attempting to fill the hole in his heart by seeking Jesus. He so desperately wanted what Jesus offered that he climbed a tree. On the day he encountered Jesus, the heart of Zacchaeus must have grown three times its size, because Jesus gifted him unconditional love, forgiveness, and mercy. And, like the Grinch, Zacchaeus came to the realization that, “Maybe a life in Christ, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

Perhaps there are those who have hurt you, stolen your happiness, and closed the door on your relationship. Consider gifting them the greatest gifts of all: love, forgiveness, and mercy. Just like the Grinch and Zacchaeus, maybe their hearts will be transformed by the gifts of our Savior. And in return, you will rediscover happiness and peace.

So, for all procrastinators, while scrolling for Christmas gift ideas, try googling “the Heart of Jesus,” because what the world needs now is a bigger heart!

Father God, help us give the best gifts: love, forgiveness, and mercy. May all hearts be changed by Your love.

Blessings for the heart of Jesus,

Rita Cochrane

52 Reasons to Love the Church – #51-A Little Girl’s Perspective

My new young friend, Katy Ballance, shared something about their family’s recent move from a 30-member congregation to work with a church of 350. Lucy, their almost-four-year-old daughter, looked around during the singing in worship and then, eyes wide, asked, “Daddy, is this all my family?” Katy said she and her husband, Colton, shared a meaningful look with each other before they answered, “Yes, this is our family.”

Out of the mouths of babes. I can just envision Lucy’s wonder, can’t you? First of all, kudos to Colton and Katy for their excellent parenting. They’d obviously taught their daughter about the church being God’s family, to the extent that she understood it to be her very own family! But second, what if we all emulated Lucy’s response? What if, every time we gathered together as a church, we looked around and acknowledged, “Yes, this is my family!” Seems like some beautiful things would result:

Awe. There’s a big difference between 30 and 350 and that sweet little girl was taking it all in. More friends! More adopted grandparents to love on her! More fellow Bible class kids! Whatever was going through her young mind, she was amazed at her new family. I’m so glad for the reminder. It’s easy to take things for granted. Our church family consists of the members who attend where we worship, but it is much bigger than that. There are Christians the world over. When we travel, we can find a church family to worship with. When we go overseas, we can find church family, even if they speak a different language. Whether 30 or 350, they’re our family. I hope we never lose the wonder over that!

Gratitude. God has been so good to us many times through His people. I could easily do a year’s series just on that one aspect of the church. We learn from each other, encourage each other, help each other, worship together, do life together, win souls together…God did that for us.

Ownership. Sometimes we can get caught up in the shortcomings or disappointments of fellow Christians. But taking a moment to look around and remember who they are will put them back in our hearts where they belong. They are MY family. We may not always see eye to eye on everything. We may not always treat each other perfectly. But I belong to them and they belong to me. This means I will love them. I will extend grace to them and they will for me. In addition to that, because they are MY family, I will feel protective of them and stand up for them.

Yes, Lucy, they’re all your family. Thank you for the reminder to embrace that with everything I’ve got.

By Kathy Pollard

Twas the Night

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house

2024 was stirring much chaos throughout.

The tree was lit brightly and gifts covered the floor;

Pinterest decor and charcuterie boards galore.

The children were nestled on iPads – not talking,

With mom in the kitchen, Tik Tok recipe stalking.

When up on the T.V. came word from the newsroom;

“Our world has lost its focus. Brace yourselves for doom.”

“Guard your packages! Porch Pirates on the loose.

The price of Disney has gone up through the roof.

Gasoline and groceries, you can no longer afford.

And another school shooting has left us all floored.”

But friend, take heart. Peace can reign in chaos and panic,

Our Father remains on His throne; even though our world is frantic.

All Christians must share the Good News without delay,

And tell creation, God’s love encircles us as we bow our heads to pray.

So, this season, as you prepare for jolly Christmas caroling,

And ornament swaps, and big friend-gatherings.

And all the fellowship that will take place,

Recall His great love and never lose faith.

May our Heavenly Father bless this coming year,

And may our days ahead be filled with good cheer.

For in His Word He exclaims, He has shone a Bright Light!

So, Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a Christ-filled life.

Blessings of Joy and Peace in 2024,

Rita Cochrane

In the Morning, O Lord

In morning, I awaken

And ponder o’er my way.

The people I saw yesterday

Give courage for today.

I think of conversations,

Of passages I’ve read,

Of songs that came within my night

Of rest and daily bread.

I think about the shocking

And the utterly mundane.

I think about the children ‘round.

I think of sun and rain.

I contemplate the vastness

And yet details so small.

I soak in heaven’s goodness

In mornings best of all!

 

My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;

In the morning I will direct it to You,

And I will look up. Psalm 5:3

Cindy Colley

52 Reasons to Love the Church – #50- The Mission-Minded

What does it mean to be mission-minded? It means you are willing to go wherever people need to hear about Jesus. The apostles left everything when Jesus said, “Follow Me” (Matt. 4:19). (Interesting side note…Jesus said “Follow Me” in 12 different conversations!) Paul traveled the Mediterranean world to spread the gospel (Acts 13-20). The early Christians “went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Today there are missionaries serving in foreign countries and in “mission fields” in our own country. Some have the un-fun job of raising full-time support in order to live and teach somewhere that’s not even their culture. That means they’re stepping out of their comfort zone twice over! Some have taken on multiple jobs just to make it possible to work with tiny congregations who can’t afford to pay a preacher. God bless the mission-minded!

God can use US to bless the mission-minded. What if we all adopted a missionary this Christmas? Here are some ways we could make theirs a little more merry:

  • Add them to your prayer list and let them know your family is praying for them every day.
  • Send a card of encouragement in the mail (the REAL mail). Include Scriptures that will remind them God sees their efforts.
  • Arrange to send them a Christmas bonus. Sometimes churches give their ministers a holiday bonus and this is often used for family gifts or special needs. I imagine there are many missionaries who would appreciate something like that. Perhaps your church family could gather monetary donations to send.
  • Send the good stuff. Instead of sending used curriculum that we couldn’t give away for free (not that there’s anything wrong with that, ha), how about sending brand new, shiny, current curriculum and visual aids? You could send a link to an online store and ask them to create a wishlist.
  • Put together a care package of their favorite treats. Their idea of treats might be different than ours. They often crave things they no longer have access to (things that we take for granted). Ask what they miss the most and they’ll probably include things like taco seasoning, Crystal Light, and certain shampoo brands. Again, your church family can help. Put out a list of items for everyone to gather and then ship them with an encouraging note.

Bonus points for asking another friend or family to join you in adopting a missionary!

“Go into all the world…” I thank God for the mission-minded who have taken this command to heart, who, in some cases, have literally moved to other lands. They see the big picture and had the courage and faith to take the big steps. God is using them the world over! Let’s zoom in on an individual or two and hold up their hands this season. We can call it the Aaron and Hur Project (Exodus 17:11-12). 🙂

By Kathy Pollard

Faux Foe or True Enemy?

Enemies. We all have them, and we all struggle with how to handle them. Everyone likes to think, “Hey, I’m an absolutely delightful person to be around!”, but the fact of the matter is, you will have enemies. No matter how kind, soft-spoken, gentle, or peaceable you strive to be, there will be those who, for some crazy reason, feel they absolutely have to be at war with you. Honestly, these people can drive you nuts! You go to them and try to make peace, only to make matters worse. You examine and re-examine the reasoning for their anger. You mentally dissect all conversations and interactions, trying to make sense of a war you never wanted. How do you come to peace with an enemy? I don’t have all the answers, but I do have God’s word to shed light on our common struggle.

Examine yourself thoroughly and honestly for any fault on your part, and if you find fault, humbly apologize and strive to make restitution.

Let’s be honest, most of us (if not all) struggle with foot-in-mouth disease. Words slip out and oops, they were stronger, sharper, and less kind than we intended. Sometimes we can even say something that we think is completely benign, only to discover the person we were speaking with took great offense. James 3:5 notes, “…the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!” Oh the fires of hurt feelings that have been set ablaze by the tongue! When we give ourselves a spiritual check-up, the tongue is a great place to start.

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Ok, you’ve done your spiritual check-up and honestly cannot find any fault on your part, what do you do now?

Here’s where it gets uncomfortable. You need to gently, lovingly, sincerely speak with them one-on-one and try to come to peace together. How many wars have ignited over a lack of communication? Oh your heart will be pounding, your palms will be sweaty, nobody likes these conversations! But if you can come together and find peace, it’s so worth it! You both may have been making things bigger in your head than they actually are. We women are kind of famous for this! In the times when I’ve had to do this, I have found that praying for wisdom, quick ears, and a slow tongue (James 1:19) really helps put my heart and nerves at ease and gets me in a right frame of mind. You just might be surprised to come out of your talk hugging and praying together!

 

So what do you do when you discover you have a true enemy?

I’m talking about someone who has no desire for peace, who takes delight in being cruel to you, and has gone so far as to start an all out war against you. These people exist. You can’t stop them because they don’t want to be stopped. What can you do?

I’ve been in this situation before, and the first thing you need to do is pray, pray, pray! There’s something that happens when you humbly pray for an enemy–they become human. Sometimes the actions of an enemy can become so hurtful, the pain is all we can see when we are around them, or even think of them. Prayer helps put enemies back in human form, which can lead to compassion for their frailties. Perhaps your enemy has some anger issues, or perhaps they never learned how to deal with their emotions on an adult level because they were traumatized or abused as a child. These things don’t excuse their sinful behavior, but that’s not your problem. Feeding the fires of your anger and possible festering hatred toward an enemy absolutely is your problem. Finding ways to feel compassion for an enemy through prayer can help quench your anger and stop hatred before it can start.  You cannot control the way others treat you, but you can absolutely, 100% control the way you treat others, even those who hate you. I have found that prayer, while not ridding me of an enemy, takes the fire of anger out of me, the one I’m ultimately responsible for.

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Once you have gone to God in prayer, sometimes you need to speak with a friend. Now before I go further, I want to emphasize that there is a fine line between seeking the counsel of a friend, and outright gossip and slander. Do not allow yourself to fall into the sin of gossip, “Be angry, and yet do not sin”. (Ephesians 4:26) With that said, sometimes it’s good to seek the counsel of a friend, but choose that friend wisely. “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) A wise Christian friend can help you see things from a different perspective, and possibly help you find a solution.

And what happens if there’s no solution? Perhaps you are experiencing a “turn the other cheek” moment.

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also…” Luke 6:27-29a

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat in Bible classes–wonderful, wise Bible classes–that centered around, “…if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.” (Matthew 5:23-24) These classes prick my heart, as they should, and once again begins the litany of “Oh boy, did I handle this old situation right?” I want to set your conscience clear! If you have truly, sincerely, prayerfully considered a situation where someone is upset with you, or is truly being an enemy, and if you have striven to resolve the conflict to no avail, you are in a “turn the other cheek” situation, and once you have turned the other cheek, LET. IT. GO!!!! Free your conscience!!! Romans 12:18 states, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” Note that it says, “…so far as it depends on you…” There’s not a thing you can do about an enemy who has no desire to repent of hurting you, so turn your cheek and walk away! Continue to pray for your enemy? Absolutely! But continue to beat yourself up mentally for a conflict you have no control over? This can only lead to churning up old hurts and old anger, and as Christians, we are to strive toward the path of light. As Christians, we have too much work to do to allow an enemy to take up valuable mental space in our heads.

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Part of dealing with an enemy is to be “…shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves”.  This was Jesus’ advice to His apostles in Matthew 10:16, knowing that they would meet enemies of their own. Jesus also added, “But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake…You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved” (V.17-18, 22). Jesus knew that His followers would be hated for no other reason than for being faithful Christians. There are people in our very congregations who cling to worldly lusts, and when confronted with Biblical truth in a sermon or Bible class, they will turn like rabid wolves, seeking to devour any and all who dare prick their conscience. They can become angered by something as simple as someone simply living a life of purity and refusing to condone sinful behavior. When this happens, remember that “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). Be gentle with this brother or sister, you never know when your gentle answer may soften their heart and make them receptive to change. However you interact, be sure that you keep your anger in check and sin not!

As we strive to walk our Christian path, it’s important to remember Jesus lived a perfect life, yet he had enemies. He did nothing wrong, yet was hated. Sometimes living a wholesome, Christ-centered life is going to create enemies for you. When this happens just remember that you are not alone; in fact, you are actually in great company! Just keep your eye on your eternal goal and continue to be a light to the rest of the world, just as Jesus is our Light!

Karla Sparks