Amy Gopp, the Director of the Week of Compassion said she found the perfect Christmas card. The message reads:

Her wish was simple: Peace in every nation, Joy in every heart and a Mitten on every hand.

It is a grown-up Christmas wish indeed. If only. This year.

We do what we can. At Christmas sometimes we do even more. At Disciples Christian, we are outfitting our Bhutanese teen-agers and children with boots for Cleveland's winter. With extra donations, we'll provide mittens too.

It's just one of the many reasons I am part of a church community. Yes, I'm well aware that non-church goers give toys for tots and drop coins in Salvation Army buckets. You don't have to be part of a church to give. Everyone becomes a little more generous at Christmas. I'm just not sure I'd pay as much attention if I didn't have the daily and Sunday reminders that we are to do for the least of these what we do for ourselves and for our Lord. To serve in this church that houses the Hunger Center, to be present at a free community meal each month, to know that persons this evening will gather to write notes of encouragement to those who are struggling -- I need these reminders that there is need every day and not just at Christmas.

We do what we can. Perhaps. We can always do more.

Blessings -

Pastor Kris

A suggestion to guide your prayer this day: We pray for sweet little hands in warm mittens, and we pray for cold little hands that are just as sweet and in need of our love and attention.