I have a sure fire way to make this Christmas the best Christmas ever! What I’m going to suggest may seem like something only ministers could properly do. I’m definitely not a trained minister. That thought actually makes me chuckle. 😉 But God is showing me that answering His call to do things (that I’m not qualified to do) actually qualifies me to do it! Make sense? When we trust God and step out in faith, we can have the best experience ever.
It all started in 2013, through a friend who invited our family to do something special on Christmas day. Unfortunately we could not join her because we were going out of town for Christmas, but God led us to do it where we would be! I questioned it, but God gave me a confirming scripture (Matthew 25:40). So here’s what we did: after we opened presents and had lunch, we all loaded into our trusty, dusty minivan and headed to the hospital and nursing home. The plan was simple: lovingly pass out treats and cards to the patients, their visiting family, and the hard-working staff working on Christmas Day. We kept it super simple and used Christmas candy canes and printed little cards that said:
God Bless you this Christmas and in the new year! God loves you so much:
“For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its Savior.” John 3:16-17 (Good News Translation)
You will be in our prayers today, and every time the Lord places you on our hearts.
I really wasn’t sure how people would react. Would they think we were weirdos? Would we be a nuisance? Would the staff kick us to the curb? But if there is one thing I know, it’s that God and His plans never fail. He impressed it on our hearts to do it, and we just needed to trust Him! It is always better to err on the side of caring too much than too little. The world is literally starving for love and kindness.
I honestly cannot believe what happened! You would have thought that the candy and cards were keys to a new car! People were so touched. Many teared up…many shared their stories…many were delighted to visit with our kiddos. Think about it, when a person is sick and hurting or is with a loved one who is sick and hurting on Christmas day…it feels so good to know people care…that God cares. He totally chooses to work through us! What an incredible honor!!
You just never know what people are dealing with. One custodian hugged me and just cried. One man sitting alone in the cafeteria said he would really appreciate our prayers. Before we left, I felt like we should go back and pray with him. Again, that nagging voice said, “Who do you think you are? You’re not qualified to do that!” But my niece and I mustered up the courage to go back. Thank God, it was the right choice! We prayed with him right there in the cafeteria, and he was so grateful.
God is so good! He can take the simplest thing and turn it into the most amazing life changing experience. His blessings abound for all involved! God’s love never fails! You might be having a rough time yourself this Christmas, and you need joy and the warm embrace of feeling close to Jesus. I’m telling you, this will do it…it will be like a salve for your soul. Or you might be so incredibly full of blessings from all that you have been given, you need to share the love…or you’ll bust! Or maybe you are a combination of both. Wherever you are this Christmas, doing this (or something like this) will completely and totally bless your socks off! I will promise you that!!!
“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14
Please share this message of Jesus’ love, hope and goodness!! Let’s start a chain reaction of His love!!!
