Christmas All the Time

Every year at Christmas time, I have the blessing of being able to give away a lot of things that people need, a lot of food people need, and a lot of money that people need. I have the privilege of being the Pastor's wife of Pottstown Bible Church and during the Christmas season, people come out of the wood work wanting to help/donate to those that are less fortunate than themselves.  Pottstown Bible Church is home to many of Pottstown's more unfortunate people.

It is so much fun to see the surprised look on someone's face when you hand them a gift card out of the blue or to be able to put extra in someone's weekly bag of food because there is extra to give.  To be able to tell someone that we can help get their car repaired, or pay an electric bill.  To see children in need being blessed by toys, books, clothing and coats.  Even a child who lives half way across the state whose mother found us on the internet.  I wish it was Christmas all the time, because these people who get blessed at Christmas have needs all year long.  Poverty doesn't go away because someone has donated at Christmas time.  Poverty is always there.

I didn't always feel that way.  Even after becoming a Christian, I still lived my life in a way where I had no money, no time and no desire to help anyone but myself.  God changed my heart the day Pottstown Bible Church opened.  I am so thankful that God opened my eyes and that I am able to be in a role where I am surrounded by those who are needy.  It reminds me how fortunate I am.  It makes me think twice before I add to my own collection of "stuff" which has no heavenly value.  It helps me to keep my heart and my hands open. It reminds me to be generous all the time, not just at Christmas.