Christmas at the Center - So that's the idea

Due to a conflict in our church calendar, we had to switch with another church and serve on the 4th Monday instead of our usual 3rd Monday. This ended up putting our day on the last full day at the Center before Christmas. Anne told me they were planning on having a Christmas party complete with gifts for everyone and we could lead everyone in Christmas Carols.

We cooked up a feast the day before. We had roast pork loin, scalloped potatos, our famous green beans and about a million Christmas cookies that were baked by the youth group during their Christmas party.

The first 15 minutes were the most intense 15 minutes I have ever experienced at the center. Everyone seemed to eat all at the same time. We were even a bit short handed, but it all worked out. Once we got past that first test, we could enjoy serving and watching.

I recruited on of our more outgoing workers to lead us in caroling. She did a great job and we had about a dozen of our homeless friends sing out like crazy. Everyone had so much fun, they loved singing loud and lauging all at the same time.

Then the gifts came out. In the weeks leading up to this day, there was a sign up sheet where everyone could write down a gift they would like for Christmas. Typical requests included, flannel shirts and hoodies.

Some how (I heard the Center got another generous donation, but I am not sure) there were enough gifts for everyone including any new friends for that day. They had a ball opening up the gifts. It was so nice to watch the genuine thankfulness on display.

When it was winding up, one homeless friend told me that when they heard that our day to serve ended up on the Christmas party, they knew it would be a great day. We have a reputation for excellent food. As usual, I was quick to tell them that we are simply using the money that God keeps giving us through the incredible donations and God is the one who gets the credit.

I saw Christmas today and it was great. We were certainly blessed to be a part of watching God move. The lesson - it is better to given than to receive.