I don’t know about you, but for me the holiday season can seem like a whirlwind of one thing after the next. Before I know it, the crystal ball has dropped and it is a new year. It can be difficult during this time to make an intentional effort to support and engage with local missions. It could be difficult to go to the grocery store and pick up an extra can of green beans when your cart is already overflowing.
During our 8:45 service we get the chance to share and hear stories of how we have seen the risen Christ in our world. One story that stuck with me was the story of our young Benjamin Davidson (son to Molly and Keith and big brother to Hannah). Keith and Molly decided that they were going to do a Thanksgiving bag for our UCOM (United Community Outreach Ministry) families. They told Benjamin that they were going to go shopping for food for people who otherwise would not have it. Benjamin excitedly went through the store and filled his bag (and even drew an awesome Happy Thanksgiving card). When he got to the checkout, the cashier asked him if he was Thanksgiving shopping and he yelled out, “IT’S FOR THE PEOPLE!”
And that, that right there, is what this is all about. It is about adding that extra can of green beans or making that intentional effort to take your child or children to the grocery store so they can fill their bag with Thanksgiving food for the people. Because that is what this is all about—it is about the people. It is about making sure our neighbor does not go hungry, not just on Thanksgiving or Christmas but every day. In our hurriedness and busyness of the holiday season we can easily forget that we are called to serve; we can easily get so wrapped up that we forget to stop and thank God for the world we get to call home. So next time you are in the grocery store, remember the words of young Benjamin— “It’s for the people.”
To find out how to join our Hunger Initiative Christmas Meal Drive for United Community Outreach Ministry,go here.
