Saturday, December 5, 2009

Joyfully Serving Others throughout the Season of Giving

This year commit to do something fun yet really meaningful for those in your community who are are sad and lonely. Become involved in a project and possibly enlist the help of other families and friends. Jesus came to this earth to show us how to serve. What better way to show Christ's love, than by reaching out to those who are sad, very ill and may not yet know Jesus. In Mark 10:35-45, Jesus speaks to the twelve apostles about serving.

See Biblegateway.com

35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask."
36 And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?"
37 They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory."
38 But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" 39 They said to Him, "We are able."
So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; 40 but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared."
41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Last Sunday, I went to a nursing home to visit an elderly lady. As I walked through several hallways, I couldn't help but notice the amount of lonely senior citizens sitting in wheelchairs. I was saddened by the vapid expressions on their faces. Christmas can be such a lonely time for shut ins, and many of these people are so appreciative to know that others still care about them. Likewise, many children spend Christmas bedridden in a hospital. Prayerfully consider how you can make a difference in the lives of the very young and elderly.

First, call your local nursing home or children's hospital and explain that you would like to bring handmade gifts to the patients. Find out the do's and don'ts of acceptable gift giving. Then, get your team assembled and go to work. :-)

Visit the Family Cares website. Scroll down until you see Project Ideas. Decide whether you want to make a cooking, sewing or other type of craft project. One word of caution here. The first time we became involved in a community project, we got a little carried away by our enthusiasm and spent more than we wanted. Don't make the same mistake. Meet with your other community project partners and agree that you will set a spending limit. Almost everyone is watching their pennies these days, so sticking to budget is a must!! To make the project enjoyable for everyone, be sure to also consider the age, ability, interest, and attention span of the children/teens involved in making the gifts.

Visit some craft, yardage and stationery stores in your area, and ask to speak with the manager. Explain what your group is doing and ask to see the remant racks and bins. Inquire about possible discounts. You can also cut costs by purchasing baking items at many discount grocery chains. Peruse through your favorite Sunday newspaper for sales and coupons. Although many stores have greatly limited their inventory, with a little perseverance and a positive attitude, you will find what you need.

Although these projects are welcomed at any time of the year, Christmas is the ideal holiday to spread God's word. Make sure that the home baked cookies or home made gifts are accompanied by a religious bookmark, Christmas card or other Christian item.

See the following sites for some ideas:

Make Your Own Christian Bookmarks
Christian Christmas Crafts
Christmas Religious Kids Crafts

Below, are some additional sites and recipes to consider for additional projects.

Family Cares
Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Cutouts
Scented Baskets

May you and those around you who participate in these Christian outreach projects be blessed in numerous ways throughout this special holiday season.

Merry Christmas! Jesus IS the reason for the season!