THE LEAST OF THESE
Prayer: Lord, help us remember what Jesus said, “Whatever you did for the least of these, my brothers, you did for me.”
Scripture: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25: 31- 40 NIV
I love to serve others. Some of my favorite projects are the ones that can be done in a day. A project where a group pulls together and it doesn’t require a long term commitment, but an all day, get dirty, paint, clean, build, purchase, organize…whatever it takes, all day and then it’s done and we are on to the next project. There is such a blessing in collecting back to school supplies one month and winter coats and hats the next or hygiene items or snacks for testing time or, well you get the picture.
One of my most favorite organizations to work with is Operation Christmas Child. Shoeboxes filled with toys, hygiene items, crayons, hairclips, baseballs and more were gathered and distributed around the world to some of the neediest children on the planet. Each child is also given a book in their own language that explains the gospel and they are given opportunities to learn about God and the Bible through a continuing program called, “The Greatest Journey.” I was blessed a few years ago to go to Ecuador and help distribute 500 shoeboxes. Imagine my shock to see children hug toothpaste and cry because Jesus answered their prayer for deodorant. Amazing!
There are lots of wonderful ministries out there, shoeboxes are easy, but you may have families in need in your own school, Angel tree is another great way to give “to the least of these.” I say all this to suggest that you pick a ministry and bless someone this Christmas season. Pick one and make it a priority this week. Keep it simple enough for you to get it done in one shopping trip or one day of service. It is truly the best way to give back during a season that celebrates the greatest gift of all- Jesus!
Copyright Kathy Branzell. Email [email protected]