I enjoy watching movies based on the book A Christmas Carol. One favorite is Scrooged. I love the words of the Scrooge character after his eyes are opened to the miracle that comes in caring for others.

 

You have to do something. You have to take a chance. You do have to get involved. There are people that are having trouble making their miracle happen. There are people that don't have enough to eat - there are people that are cold. You can go out and say hello to these people. You can take an old blanket out of the closet and say, "Here." You can make 'em a sandwich and say, "Oh, by the way, HERE!"

 

A new year brings a time for reflection. All those memories, both good and bad, with that list of "could have", "should have", "would have". Mine is longer than I'd like. But that's OK. God doesn't want us to dwell on the past. He wants us to learn from it and use what we've learned as we follow Him.

 

Notice that learning and using occur as we follow God, not before. Many think they must first be perfect in heart and mind. If that were required, no one could follow God. Remember Jesus' first instruction to His disciples? Follow me. (Matthew 4:19; 9:9; John 1:43) The disciples were not prepared before they followed Jesus. They were prepared as they followed Him.

 

Recalling last year and looking toward the next, one phrase comes to mind: Love one another (John 13:34). Many don't understand what this means. Like the world, they believe Love is based on emotion. But Jesus' Love focuses on action - what we do for each other - regardless how we feel about them.

 

Recently Beverly and I have attended 12Stone Church. Entering the Christmas season, this "one Church with many campuses" decided to do something extraordinary. Titled the "12Stone Christmas Initiative--Best Christmas, Compassion Projects for Kids", this four-part effort is all about loving one another.

 

Feed the Kids---for struggling families with children on free or reduced cost lunch programs across 11 schools. At 4 locations they enjoyed a time of Christmas celebration, and each was given a week's worth of groceries, a baked ham, and tickets to a sporting event they could enjoy together as a family.

 

Our Kids---for single-parent families who call 12Stone home. These families celebrated Christmas and enjoyed a special time of worship. Gifts were given to children from birth through high school and these single moms and dads received a baked ham...and needed rest.

 

Foster Kids---for local foster care homes. Volunteer sponsors shopped and wrapped presents for hundreds of foster kids, fulfilling the wish lists of these children in need. A special gift was also provided for the foster parents who provide a home for these children.

 

Orphans---for children in East Africa. Partnering with local churches, the men, women and children of 12Stone will provide meals to orphans for an entire year! In February they will also send a team to serve some of the meals and especially to laugh and pray with, embrace and love these children.

 

In Scrooged, that character admits, I get it now. And if you give, then the miracle can happen to you.

 

God is working through His people at 12Stone and other churches and ministries around the world. Miracles are happening. Strangers are feeding, clothing, and caring for those they've never met. In return, they are receiving their own miracle. For when we share the love of God with others, He also pours His love through them and into our hearts. Suddenly we truly understand, Love one another!

 

Want to be loved and encouraged? Then love and encourage others. May you be so blessed in the days ahead.

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