Christmas Joy

These last 2 weeks we have been grieving the loss of a co-worker, former pastor, and more importantly friend. A loss that took us by surprise at one of the hardest times of year. We have also been going to Christmas parties and family gatherings. Each filled with loved ones, food and gifts. Some of the time made sweet memories, some was stress filled. Some of the food was delicious, some not as much, but always in abundance. A few of the gifts were thoughtful and appreciated, a lot of them unnecessary excess. All these things and more have been fighting to take our joy.

And then we receive the pictures and report on Ebenezer’s Christmas Lunch. Joy immediately floods our hearts and begins to overflow. We hear that just under 300 people in the Kibuku region were able to have an extravagant (by their standards) meal of chicken, rice, motoke, and more. 80 children received a much needed new pair of shoes. George & Sylvia were able to stand among their community and be a presence of love and service to the least of these. All the while the greatest Love story ever written was proclaimed to all those near and SIX NEW BROTHERS AND SISTERS WERE BORN!!

We could not have received a better Christmas gift had it been bought with all the money in the world. To stand with our friends on the other side of the world as they live loud for the Kingdom is an honor and a JOY. The only thing better would have been if we could have stood in that serving line ourselves.

See Christmas is so much more when we are a part of the bigger story. Life is so much more when we are a part of the bigger story.

“May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God.” Psalm 20:5

- See more at: http://hopegraftedin.org/christmas-joy/#sthash.vroetvh0.dpuf