Hope Does Not Disappoint
In celebrating Christmas, we come face to face with the most tangible, sustainable act of generosity ever bestowed as we relive the Good News of the Gospel proclaimed in these twenty-four words; “For God so loved the world, that He GAVE His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
The word tells us much about what our Christ-centered giving is to emulate. First it is to be tangible as we see reflected in John 3:16. The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 shows us that all people of the world are to be our neighbor and that includes people we don’t even know; therefore, it is to be given indiscriminately. While 1 Chronicles 29 teaches Biblical generosity is to be communal for in by doing so, it can spur others’ generosity, and the ripple effect begins. Lastly, it is to be given freely with a cheerful heart as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:7!
All of this is to say, my heart is filled to overflowing to witness all the wonderfully tangible, indiscriminate, communal, and cheerful generosity our church has poured out on the precious families Fellowship of Hope Mentoring sought to serve through our Secret Santa – Angel Tree project this Christmas!
Whenever I see a giving spirit, I know there is Love behind it. And when Love is behind it – Hope is sure to follow!
We at Fellowship of Hope Mentoring long to bring “Hope for a brighter future” to the children and families we serve. This Christmas, 14 families will hear squeals of joy from 32 children as they wake up to Christmas gifts this year! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
May the Hope you’ve planted in the hearts of these children be as Emily Dickinson likens it…a song that never stops singing.
Hope’ is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –
And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm.
I’ve heard it in the chilliest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet – never – in the Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of me.
Emily Dickinson
From all of us at Fellowship of Hope Mentoring…may God bless you richly and beyond measure this Christmas and beyond! Amen