The Giving of Gifts

I've been impressed whenever I hear the little radio commercial on CBC Radio 2 recommending giving the gift of a goat or bed-net to a family in the developing world. It wasn't all that long ago when these type of gifts only happened in and through churches - often by getting people to focus on the work of Heifer Project.

But it does bring to mind an experience we had while serving a rural church in North-Central Idaho. There were our very young kids and a few other kids who regularly attended. One of the church members became aware of a family living in the hotel and invited their two kids to come to church. These two children became regular attendees throughout the fall. When the snow came, it became apparent that this family didn't have much of anything, and the kids were in danger of "not having a Christmas."

Unbeknownst to me, their pastor, members of the congregation took matters into their own hands to make sure every child had a Christmas that year. Rather than buying a present or two for these two kids, every child got gifts to open after the Christmas Eve Service. If I remember correctly, one gift was a toy, one was a book, and one gift was an outfit (pants and shirt - with the tags still on them). I remember hearing one of these two kids saying "Wow! Clothes with tags! I've never gotten clothes with tags before!"
What I felt proud about was that these two kids were not singled out. There have been too many instances in which I have seen an act of kindness actually keep the recipients on the outside, in "their place," meaning of course, "not next to me." In this case, the church saw these two children as a part of the larger community, indeed as full members. If they needed something, maybe others did also. The congregation used one need as an opportunity to share  something with everyone. It was an honor to serve such people.
As we share gifts this year, may we also become aware of what others lack, need or want. And in looking for ways to give gifts, may they be given in ways that remind folks that they are a part of a larger community; that their presence matters; that they are loved.
Blessed be,
Joel