Christmas Thoughts 2010

This morning I had the privilege to go to Camelot and help pass out gifts that were purchased for kids that live there.  I really had no expectations other than showing up and letting God do His thing.  We took the girls their gifts first. As I watched the kids begin to tear into their bags of goodies … I couldn’t help but hold back tears. They were pulling out coats, shirts, pants, shoes … then I watched a young girl (about the age of 13-15) pull out a cookbook from her bag of goodies.  She was so excited and hugged the lady that gave her the bag.  She kept saying “Thank you … thank you”.  They both eagerly began looking through it.  She then looked up and said, “I looked under the tree last night and saw no gifts.  I didn’t think we were going to get anything.” It simply broke my heart and yet made me thankful for a place that allows these kids to come and get help … it made me thankful that people sacrificed their money to buy gifts for these kids.

We then moved to pass out gifts to the boys.  I was blessed to give a bag of stuff to a little boy who got the same as far as clothing, but also got his set of toys too.  He got a big box of Pirate Legos and a Lego watch … along with some other stuff.  He was most fascinated with the Lego watch.  And … He smiled from the time he came into the room till the time he left.  

What an awesome blessing to be a part of something that means so much on this Christmas day! 

After that, I came home and wrapped my gifts that I had purchased for the my family (a little late … I know) and was greeted by a white Christmas.  When I had left earlier that morning there was just a couple of spots of snow on my deck.  However, in the few short hours I was gone, my yard was completely white.  I got out of the car and just stood there for a few minutes. Again, I had tears in my eyes as I watched the snow fall.  One thing I love about the snow is how quiet it is outside.  Snow truly is peaceful. As if all of that wasn’t enough … drove down to my parents house and had an awesome time of food and fellowship with my family.  

I write this because I know that Christmas isn’t a happy day for a lot of people, but I can’t help but to think of those kids.  They don’t have “family” around … but there was such joy in that place this morning.  They didn’t have a tree full of presents … and yet they were so happy to get the bag of goodies.  I even can’t help but to think of the kids and families around the world who have absolutely nothing and yet have joy. I have been to an area in Nicaragua that makes our poor look wealthy … and yet they smile from ear to ear because they have found the love of Christ. There truly is a joy that can overcome all adversity … there is a peace that can pass all understanding.  My prayer is that everyone reading this finds that peace … and finds that joy.

Merry Christmas to all of you!

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