Christmas Caroling, A Ministry of Diversity 12/4/2016

Good Morning,

This cup of Door County Jingle Bell Java is going down smoothly this morning. Nothing like a hot cup of coffee while you are waiting on the fireplace to start throwing some heat off. The fire will be glowing soon!

Last night our Men's Ministry Annual Christmas Caroling outing took place. We visit two homes for the elderly and sing songs and distribute gifts. The carolers return from their singing, and ministering to the residents in the homes to our house. When they get back to our home we all share in a dinner of different soups, sausage, cheese, crackers, candy, coffee, hot chocolate and dessert. We were blessed to be able to offer four different kinds of soup to our friends. Two of our dear friends brought soups to help us round out the menu. Although soup and munchies are a very simple and plain dinner, it seemed like a pretty good feast. Those that wanted to, could take some soup home for today.

In our group we had young children and plenty of adults. It was a diverse group of ages. So that is where I am headed today. Christmas and the blessings of serving one another does not discriminate because of age. Everyone participated in bringing smiles and blessings to people who are now considered to be shut in. One member of our little team is just fresh out of surgical repairs for his shoulder. He made it and used his voice to sing, laugh and minister. No one who wanted to be here was not used to bless our neighbors.

Saturday nights only come once a week and with all that there is to do in life these folks took time out to do ministry. Yes we feasted later and the night went pretty long, but they had an impact on other lives. This impact cannot be done with just sending good tidings by thought. They put their faith into practice and the results were huge. Our pastor gave us Bibles to give away with our gift bags of slippers, socks and lotions. One of the attendants at the nursing home received one and replied. "I was just wishing that I had a Bible the other day". Her Christmas wish came true.

My point is this. I saw the diverse ages work together, practice their faith, dine on the same menu, and enjoy a couple hours ( or more) the company of church family. Faith does not discriminate from serving. There is always room for all ages to work and bless others.

James 2:14-26New King James Version (NKJV)

Faith Without Works Is Dead

¹⁴ What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? ¹⁷ Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. ¹⁹ You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! ²⁰ But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?  ²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? ²² Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? ²³ And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. ²⁴ You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
²⁵ Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

So, can you take some time out of this busy month to go out and bless others and share the "Good News of Jesus?

Marty