WELCOME SPRING!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Spiritual Sunday~Homeless at Christmas

Thank you to our lovely hostesses, Charlotte and Ginger  at http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/   for Spiritual Sundays.  Please visit this wonderful site…there are many bloggers that have shared something for you today.  Just click on the blue sky to the right.

I’m also joining Lisa’s blog at http://www.extravagantgrace.net/.  Lisa is hostessing “Bringing Holy Back to the Holidays”.   Please visit her as well…lets find ways to bring HOLY back to the holidays.  Her button is also to the right.

Please come in for a cup of tea…I’d like to share some thoughts with you.

As I bring out several boxes full of Christmas decorations,  or as I think about the gifts I want to give my friends and family, or as I lay down in a very comfortable bed, after having a good meal, taking a hot shower, and making sure all windows are locked, my thoughts are drawn to images of the homeless that live up and down a long, busy street not far from my home.   I only see adults, but I know there must be children out there, living on the street somewhere.  What are they thinking about right now, with Christmas so near.  Are they asking for toys, or a warm bed?  Do they want a Barbie, or a jacket?

There are many organizations that help the homeless, both adult and children.  We see those large, round bins at the different stores, where you can donate either toys or food.  We receive requests through the mail for monetary donations so these organizations can provide a Christmas meal for a family.

In our busyness of decorating, baking, shopping and blogging, let us remember that we are to help those in need.

As I was researching different places that were offering help to the homeless, I found an article,  and I’d like to share a little of it with you.

“What does the Bible say about the homeless and the poor? Does God have an opinion on whether or not the impoverished are society’s responsibility?
The word “poor” occurs 205 times in 197 verses in the KJV Bible. God’s view on the poor is very clear.  Jesus is an excellent example of what a poor person was in his day. In fact, it is safe to say that Jesus was a homeless person at least some of the time (see Luke 9:58). The people that Jesus associated with were homeless and poor as well. Paul, who was a close follower of Jesus wrote “even until now we…have no certain dwelling place” (see 1 Corinthians 4:11). And finally, Paul writes that God’s only begotten Son became poor although he was rich for our sakes (see 2 Corinthians 8:9). It is very evident in just these three verses, that God loves poor people very much. If God made Jesus, his one and only Son, a poor and homeless person, then it is safe to say that God actually esteems the poor and glorifies them.”

It doesn’t seem to me that we think of the homeless in this way.  Something to think about.

With Christmas so near, many people are feeling more sadness than joy, for any number of reasons.  Even those of us with families and homes can feel sadness.  I really think it is because we are focused on people and things rather than the reason we celebrate Christmas…the birth of Jesus.  I know I talked about this before, but we seem to forget.  One day, we’re thinking about the spiritual side of Christmas, and the next day, we’re stressing out over what to buy for someone.  At least that describes me, and I suspect we’re all like this to one degree or another.   I don’t believe the Lord would have us stop enjoying Christmas…He is the ultimate Giver of good gifts to His children, so of course, He is delighted that we give to those we love.  But I have to remember that He loves the homeless as much as He loves my kids, and I have to remember to love them too.

Please continue to pray for our soldiers and their families.   Pray for those that are in any kind of need, whether physical, emotional, or financial…we all need prayer for something…just pray!

God bless you all!

Mary

homeless man with dog homeless man

25 comments:

  1. Hi Mary
    I am up very early this morning and decided to check my email before getting ready to go to church. I am so glad I took the time to read yours. I am trying hard to keep things inperspective this Christmas season and this post was such an encouragement to me.
    Hugs, Rhondi

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  2. Wonderful post. Much to think on.
    cindy

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  3. Thank you for sharing this important message of the season...or any time of the year! Coralie

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  4. Mary this was so very good and so very true. I am exactly the same way as well. One day I am focusing on Him and the very next stressing over a conflict of plans. My son recently took a group of high schoolers up to San Francisco to work in a homeless shelter for 3 days. I wish you could have heard the stories he had to tell. What an eye opener. He said it was one of the most life changing experiences of his life. It is soo sad that so many people (and yes there WERE children, which broke his heart) have found themselves in this situation. Their needs really do become quite basic. Where will I sleep tonight? and What will I eat tomorrow? Puts many of my "problems" in prospective. We have already prepared our boxes and sent them to the needy through our church, but it is not enough. You have inspired me to look into this.

    It looks like you got to bed pretty late my friend...better rest up today. Have a wonderful Sunday.

    Love and hugs,

    Debbie

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  5. Wonderful post. We have so much to be thankful for and need to reach out to those in need so desperately and share. Thanks for the great post. Hugs, Marty

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  6. AMEN...most certainly most of us do not recognize how much GOD loves the homeless and how special they are too HIM. THANK YOU!

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  7. What a tender and loving heart you have Mary! In many ways, we are all homeless as this is not our home. We are just passing through. However, there are so many who have nothing. We have our relationship with the Savior of the world and so we are rich. May we share the love that He gives us with others.

    Love,
    Debbie

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  8. Mary, what a great post, you found away to describe my feeling exactly, words that I couldn't find. I, some mornings have a sadness on my heart that I can't describe, even when things are so good and I am so bless. I believe God puts that sadness on me so I won't get to smug and comfortable, so I won't forget those, poor and homeless out there. Momma always told us to never look down on or exnore those less fortunate than me, because except for the Grace of God, there go I.
    I pray that you and yours have a very Merry CHRISTmas.
    Molly

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  9. Wonderful, thoughtful post Mary.
    Hgs,
    Dawn

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  10. Thank you for sharing your heart with us today, Mary. God loves and cares for the poor.

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  11. So true. You have such a good heart and it comes out in the things you write about. You inspire me.

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  12. This is certainly something we all should think about not only during the Christmas season but especially now. We need to remember to pray for the homeless and help them when we have the opportunity. Thank you for this timely reminder.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  13. Mary,

    this is a wonderful post. It is really something to think about. Makes me wonder sometimes how people can be so heartless. My daughter worked for a company one yr, and they had a big box to collect toys. she remarked to me how someone had left a few really big gifts.
    Next morning those big gifts had disappeared from the box. I was shocked!!! I was so angry.
    How could someone be so cruel?? My heart goes out to those people in need. I pray they are warm, and have something to eat. thanks for reminding us of the things that are really important at this time of yr.

    Blessings,
    Debbie

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  14. Mary thank-you for posting such an important topic. It makes me so sad to think of these children and adults that live on the streets.
    I see this often as well.
    God Bless,
    Ginger

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  15. I love your post Mary, My Husband and I were just thinking last week that we need to check and see if there are any homeless around us. We live in a small town and I never see any, that doesn't mean they aren't there....You made me want to get on this soon. Thank you!!

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  16. Beautiful post, Mary.
    I think this year especially with the bad economy that the homeless will suffer. I've read that soup kitchens in our area are having trouble meeting the needs of the homeless, and charitable contributions are down.
    A donation in a loved one's name might make a nice gift for someone. I know I would appreciate that so much more than a knick knack.

    Thanks for always bringing importance to the forefront!
    Love to you,
    Eileen

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  17. Wonderful post mary, thank you for reminding us of how important the poor are to God, and how blessed we are. May I never forget that God blesses me so that I can bless others. And that they are to e just as important to others. Yes! I join you in remembering our Military men and women along with their families.
    Blessings,
    sue

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  18. Hi Mary,
    First, I love your Christmas header!
    Our church has an outreach program that ministers to the homeless. I agree that there is great need out there especially at this time of year. Thanks for stopping by to say "hi." Have a great week!


    Blessings,
    Jean

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  19. Yep...I agree...your header is just darling as is your entire blog!!
    I can tell that your post was heart felt. I am glad there are places the homeless can go for meals and warmth, but we all much contribute. We are our brothers keeper.
    I am sure there are children out there somewhere that sleep in a car at night..I hope not..but it is so.
    My own family is in need and I am doing all I can to help out! The economy has put them just a step from losing their home. Thankfully, they will NEVER be homeless as our family is large and very close. The brothers and sisters are BEST friends. There are good things about large families..and mine is the best thing I ever did.
    You sound like a kind and wonderful human being.
    God bless you and your family!
    Mona

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  20. Excellent! You have such a way with words, thanks for sharing with us.

    Katherine

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  21. Mary, thank you for sharing such a touching story and making us reflect upon the true meaning of the season. Darling if you email me I'll try to walk you thru how to enlarge your photos. I'd be glad to help if you haven't already gotten the help.. hugs ~lynne~

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  22. We do need to think of others. Thanks, Mary.

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