We had a good discussion with the youth of our church this past Sunday about what we could do to help others get ready for Christmas. We talked about what Advent meant (the preparation to receive the love of God through Jesus Christ) and how we could bring Christmas to others.
We shared about how the things we do for Christmas today - decorating, gathering with family, bonding with people, preparing food, giving gifts - were probably the same thing people did to prepare or celebrate for a big event in Jesus' time as well. Then we took a look at how we could do these same things for people who just don't have the opportunities or for whom the holidays bring too much personal sadness.
Lots of ideas came from that discussion. We suggested looking for one of those Angel Tree outlets where we could select people or families who are asking for gifts of necessities at this time of year (as opposed to toys or more personal items). There's also Toys for Tots, Operation Christmas Child, and most likely a local program (in Hawaii we have the Laulima Drive) near you where you can do the same.
We suggested going to an elder care home and helping decorate the common area for Christmas, or doing something similar at a shelter for the homeless. We suggested serving a meal with one of the many organizations who do such things, such as Meals on Wheels, or The Salvation Army. We even suggested Christmas caroling for the street people.
I have to admit that my heart became filled with joy as these young people thought of different ways they could go out to prepare the way which would allow the Spirit of God to live among and within others. Such is the joy our world seeks. Such is the joy we can accomplish. All we need to do is allow ourselves to shine bright with the love of God in order for the lights around us, which may have gone out, to be re-lit and brightly gather together as one.
We, too, are called to go forth and bring God's joy to the world.
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