Warmth

‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Mathew 25:40

 

I love the Christmas season. The lights and the music, the giving and the decorating, family traditions and get-togethers. It’s my favorite time of year. Sitting safely and warmly inside, admiring a gentle snow falling, serenaded by all my Christmas favorites, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of thanksgiving. I am so thankful for the many blessings the Lord has allowed me, but admittedly I often take them for granted–warmth is one of them. Recently, while serving meals to the homeless, in the cold of a late November day, I was reminded that not everyone has a warm place to go, not everyone has enough; not everyone has a coat, or gloves, or food… There was this man, who didn’t have a home, or even a coat. Everyone scurried around to see if any had one to give. It was cold. We all had coats, and we were still cold. I wondered, if my coat would have fit him, would I be willing to give it to him? MY coat, the one that was keeping ME warm, would I give it up? Just then, a man from our church group, gave the homeless man his own fleece and his own coat. I was moved. I was moved by the love of Christ in action.

 

We serve food to the homeless, on the fourth Sunday of each month. In December the fourth Sunday falls on Christmas day. Initially I was quick to give a handful of excuses as to why I couldn’t serve on Christmas day. I had presents and dinner and family and plans. But after firing off a string of weak excuses the Lord reminded me… that I am blessed.

 

I will be serving on Christmas Day, doing something so much more meaningful than opening gifts and eating turkey. I will be serving turkey, to people who don’t have Christmas trees, or presents, or coats, or homes. God has given us so much, and we keep so much of it for ourselves. This Christmas season I pray we would take time out of the hustle and bustle each day to give thanks to the Lord, for all He’s given us. For our homes and our families, for food and warmth, and especially for His Son, for His grace, for His mercy, for His love and then give something back, to someone in need. Christ’s love in action– for the glory of God.

 

Kimberly Murray

 

(If anyone has any coats or warm clothes they would like to donate, please email me at kimberlyrmurray@yahoo.com)