Sunday, November 13, 2011 - Shoe Boxes

"God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. 

When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."  2 Corinthians 1:4

"I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, 

that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth."

Isaiah 49:6

"Truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD." 

Numbers 14:21

  

     Today represents a day to cross cultural lines, to send a little light into another country on another continent where spiritual Light can be as scarce as water. Today, in many churches is Shoebox day, the day we bring a shoebox full of gifts for children who may understand why or know Who Christ is. We'll see those gifts piled on the stairs by the altar and know we're reaching out into the world with "this little light of mine."  

     Due to the high price of traveling, I don't get out of the country much. I've been out of the country four times, twice as a friend's guest and twice as a gift from my parents. One of these trips was an official "missions" trip but, because I've been commissioned by God to "Go, Tell," they were all missions trips. In fact, because God made us lights for the dark world, a trip to the grocery store and a stay in the hospital are mission trips for believers.  Discussions at the water cooler, with the mechanic or the doctor, with our children's teachers, all represent opportunities to let our lights shine and draw people to the One Who loves them best and can given them true, lasting, meaningful Life. We can be "Christmas in a shoebox" for anyone we meet on any given day if we take off the cover and let Him shine.  

Father-God, You've given us all the gifts we need and all the Light we need to share.  What's our problem about sharing what You've given us? Help us overcome all the shyness, the fear, the pride, and the selfishness to give away what You continue to pour into our lives: Light and Love.  Make us someone's "Christmas shoebox" today. Use us to bless someone with the knowledge of how much You love them.

In the Name of Jesus, the Christ in Christmas, the Christ in Christians who let You shine