This is our fifth Christmas season together as a community of faith. However, it was the first time Christmas Day fell on the day we normally gather.

And what a gathering it was!

We were hoping to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in an extravagant way with our family at Prodigal’s Home. We were hoping to have our normal meal and then have one gift for everyone.

But it was far from normal this day.

We had so much food. It was a huge feast!

We then heard a great Christmas message, sang Christmas carols, sat together as a community of faith, and then celebrated with communion and prayer.

Everyone had received their one gift and those handing out the gifts came back with “extra” gifts still in their hands.

It was an overwhelming moment. I said “Hand them out… hand them ALL OUT!”

And everyone did not received one gift. They received THREE!

One man asked if it was OK if he left two of his gifts for someone else. He was simply so overwhelmed he did not know what to think… or what to do. Why would people be so generous? Why would God be so generous?

And then I gave the word to open the gifts!

A family walking through the neighborhood heard what was going on. They came long after breakfast was over and all the gifts had been handed out. But our kitchen crew opened everything back up and fed this family. And then someone found a BIG bag of children’s toys just inside the building we forgot to bring out.

And so these latecomers received a blessed gift from God… through you and your generosity.

We believe in the work of the Cross. But it had to start somewhere. And it started with the birth of Jesus Christ 2000 years ago.

And it was remembered today at Prodigal’s Home. And His birth was celebrated.

Oh my… was it celebrated.

Grace & Peace,

Mike