I worked at the Mustard Seed for years and, while I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, Christmas was both stressful and joyful. Picture this; hundreds of men and women with only the clothes on their back and whatever they could fit into a backpack showing up every day for the necessities of life. Things many of us take for granted, food, warm clothing or even just a clean bathroom, they see as a blessing. Three square a day, a safe place to sleep, a trip to get clothing for some fresh gear and a chance for a shower all helped those with so little feel just a bit better. At Christmas, we had the “Fill-a-Sock” campaign where we asked for simple things like socks, underwear, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, and such. We stuffed a big wool sock with everything we could jam into it including the other sock. Every person that showed up got a stuffed sock and a big turkey dinner. While the sock campaign only lasted for Christmas, the caring was 24/7/365. Giving of self for the needs of others is the foundation of this and many other shelters.
No one should be alone at Christmas and I don’t mean just
alone in person. Many can feel very alone in a completely full home and many do
not see it. The moment Mary said yes to the Lord, saying yes to serving Him, she
said yes to becoming a single, teenaged mother with nothing. As a woman, she
was invisible and, as an unwed mother, she was shunned. What the world saw was
sin, what God saw was the mother of the Son of God.
God took one good look at me,
and look what happened — I’m the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has
done for me will never be forgotten, the God whose very name is holy, set apart
from all others. His mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in
awe before him. Luke 1:48-50
God gave Mary the perfect gift and, while she had to deal
with the jeers and sneers, her precious gift from the Father was exactly what
she needed, exactly who we all needed. The Father gave all mankind the gift of
Glory. This is one gift that cannot be purchased or bartered for, the gift is
free from His heart and we need only claim His love, embrace the Son and give over
our sins to Him. God took one look at each of us and we are the most fortunate
people on earth. He whose name is Holy is merciful beyond our knowledge and in
Him we are in awe.
This fourth Sunday of Advent, we plan to be open, good Lord
willing and the creek don’t rise. If you are attending in person, we would like
to advise you to please bring a mask as it is required as per the provincial
guidelines. Sign up for "Sunday Service"! Click here now: https://signup.com/go/kbhxaSk
Should you wish to join us online, click on either link
below to join us live:
Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31
YouTube Live –
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA
See you all Sunday.
Blessings
Pastor Todd
www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca
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