Most of you know that we are a little crazy (ok, more than a little crazy) at our house. We put the Christmas tree up in the living room in mid- September. Yes, it’s true and no it’s not a real tree. All through their early years, our children had their Halloween pictures made in their fun costumes in front of the Christmas tree. We love the spirit and attitude of Christmas. I am amazed at how that spirit seems to transform most folks into kinder and gentler people (except on the roadways of Atlanta). We don’t splurge a lot on the money-spending end of the holiday, but we love the entertaining, the family gatherings, and the church services.
I am thrilled that we kick off the Holiday season at church with our mission project for Samaritan’s Purse. The Operation Christmas Child boxes are such a small gesture and expense that pack a punch and impact in the lives of children around the world. Hundreds of you have packed a shoebox at home, and labeled it for these children that we don’t even know yet. I’m hoping that you spent some time in prayer for the box and it’s recipient.
This Sunday, November 10th is our final Sunday to collect those boxes. We will present them at the altar and pray for lives to be changed with the gift in the box and the Gift from our heavenly Father. Our Sunday school children will lead us in worship with their music and their example.
Another opportunity we have on Sunday is to pack more shoeboxes with items that have been donated. This is a fantastic opportunity for families or individuals. We’ll grab a quick bite of pizza and then head to the Heritage room to stuff more goodies in additional containers. If you over-bought for your box, or if you have some school supplies, toothpaste, toothbrushes or small sized toys laying around your house, scoop them up and put them in the containers at the doors of the church and we’ll make sure they are well used.
Christmas can be celebrated so meaningfully, and we can show our children and our families just what we think is the most important part of Christmas. It’s not putting a tree up in September, it’s reflecting God to the world by God’s Word who lived among us, through our words, and our deeds.
Jill Jenkins
Children’s Pastor
Johns Creek Baptist Church