Thanksgiving and Christmas are always our two busiest months.  The need of those less fortunate is so great, but it is even more so during the holidays.  We saw record numbers of people coming for assistance.  We are so thankful to all of our volunteers who give of their time... sorting, boxing and bagging food, loading the wheelbarrows full and unloading them into the cars, directing traffic... outside and inside, processing paperwork, and ministering to those in need.  We are so thankful to all of the many Joseph's Storehouse supporters... those that help us keep the doors open with their financial contributions, those that donate food and toiletry items, and those that support us in prayer.   You all understand the Spirit of Giving, or more commonly known as The Christmas Spirit.

The very first Christmas gift was given by God to humanity... the Gift of His Son.  For God so loved the world that He gave... It is because of this precious Gift that we in turn give to others in celebration of His birth.  Those of us who are blessed to have small children or grandchildren in our lives anticipate Christmas morning and seeing their little eyes light up seeing all the presents under the tree.  Oh, the joy it brings us!  It truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

We certainly can't out-give God. The more we give, the more He blesses us so that we may continue to give. While it is a blessing to be able to give gifts to our loved ones, it is even more of a blessing to give to those less fortunate.  The volunteers who helped at the food distributions this week can all share stories of the people who came in weary and without hope. Stories of people who were so thankful to receive a car load full of groceries and a few toys for the kids... and hope- knowing that someone truly cared enough to help.  If you've never been in need of assistance, you don't fully understand the weight of hopelessness that accompanies it. If you've never been able to give to someone less fortunate, you don't fully understand the joy and blessing that comes with it... and even more so when you can do it secretly.  Just like the joy of playing Santa Claus to the wee ones and watching their surprise, the joy that comes from the Spirit of Giving is worth more than any present under the tree.  This year, may we all strive to let the Christmas Spirit operate in our lives not just during the holidays, but all year long.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!!