I am reminded this Christmas season of the great blessing of giving to others.  God so loved us He gave His only Son, that we might have everlasting life.  Jesus gave His life for us, even though we were sinners and completely undeserving.  Throughout the scriptures we see stories of giving that model the great sacrifice that Jesus made for all mankind.  The little boy with the lunch of fish and loaves for his provision, prepared for him by his mother.  Can you imagine a strange man coming up and asking one of our children for their lunch to feed people they had never met, who could probably have brought their own meal had they planned better?  The gift is precious, because it is first given to the Lord and then entrusted to Him to distribute as He sees fit.  The boy’s gift fed thousands with abundance because he gave unconditionally, the same way God gave His Son for us.

Several days ago I received a call from a brother in Christ who lives in Austin. He asked what we needed for the children on Christmas day.  When I shared the need, he said “let’s do ten times that, the check will be there tomorrow”.  I was driving, and was speechless by this unbelievable act of generosity from someone, who does not live in our city, doesn’t know the families in the inner city and has no reason, other than the love of Christ, to give such a tremendous gift.  When we went to WalMart to purchase coats and toys for the kids, the staff of the entire store helped us with our purchases.  The employees immediately asked, “What church is this?” as they knew we were purchasing the items for the poor.  We linked the shopping carts together to leave, while the entire store watched. Another shop owner in WalMart began bringing donations from his store to give to the poor.  Clearly, these baskets of blessings will be used this Christmas day in BonTon, to express, to all who come, that God loves them and sent His Son for them, to meet their every need.  We are humbled by the hundreds of volunteers, churches and corporate partners that enable us to share Christ’s love with the poor on Christmas day, and every day of the year.  Please join us at 1:00pm on Christmas Day – 6508 Canaan Street – Dallas 75215