light of the world
Wrapping presents, decorating the Christmas tree, gathering around the advent wreath, singing songs of praise to the Most High, praying on our knees...but then what? As much as we have received from Him, as we are empty vessels filled by His love, we must pour out on to others so we may be filled again and not go stagnant. Easily done to care only for myself and my redemption, but a waste to not share the love which I have so generously received.
"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
James 2:17
The simplicity of these acts of kindness, of love, of beauty is lost on me when I am focused on myself and my agenda. Oh, those of you who know me know that I have an agenda. True faith and my agenda are incompatible.
God has impressed upon my heart this season the concept of compassion. His compassion for us, seeing our need, our lowly state and coming to our rescue and His desire that we live in an attitude of compassion toward others have inspired us to move, to get up, to act.
God has impressed upon my heart this season the concept of compassion. His compassion for us, seeing our need, our lowly state and coming to our rescue and His desire that we live in an attitude of compassion toward others have inspired us to move, to get up, to act.
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
James 1:27
James 1:27
We had talked about it as a family, that it might be like our gift this season to honour God and to give back a small amount when we have so much.
While gathered around the advent wreath, I asked that we pray and seek God's will regarding sponsoring a child with Compassion International. At this point, Rebekah said something that blew my mind. Referring to the verse above, she asked if we really needed to continue praying about it if God said it so clearly that He wants us to help the poor.
We know what He says, it is written in His word.
Now we just need to do it.
As part of our Advent preparations tonight we will be signing up to sponsor a child in Mexico. The girls are ready to write letters and give money from their jobs each month and we are ready as a family to "adopt" a 5th member who lives far away. We have chosen Mexico because it is the most likely place we would be able to visit (once we are back in the States) of all the countries they have available.
Over the years we, and Papa and Nana, have had children we "adopted" (remember Jolito?) but when Papa and Nana wanted to visit they were not permitted to and the child was actually "taken away" from them. Check with them about visiting when you sign up.
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