In Retrospect of Sunday

I awoke long before the alarm sounded uggggghhhhh. I was excited about the toy drive. It was Texas cold and I knew all my outreach babies would be full of energy. Normally we take two vehicles and sometimes three. However, I knew we would need four vehicles today.

During the short caravan from the church to our mission field I began to be tormented. What if the van wouldn't even be filled and now look I have these extra drivers and workers. Upon pulling into our first apartment complex I KNEW we would need every vehicle. The children were outside awaiting our grand entrance. We only had to wait on one child to finish her braids. Normally we have to awake children and wait for them to get dressed or even sometimes help them get dressed. The second complex was much the same. Everyone except one child was outside waiting on us to arrive! What a joyous ride to the church we had with 30 merry children.

After the class parties all the children were escorted to the sanctuary. While we arranged the outreach children in numeric order at the altar we enjoyed some entertainment from a few church children. Evan, Mary, & Redonia sang an animated version of "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth". Jayce, Taylor, and Cole sang a wild and crazy version of "Jingle Bells". I love the talent of our children.

Each outreach child was given 3 gifts. No child received the same gifts. Several weeks ago we began gathering wish lists. There were Barbies, baby dolls, trucks, transformers, hoodies, Jordans, balls, and games. I have been talking with the children for about a month about their manners. I was so proud of them. Each one left with great enthusiasm and gratitude. All the children including church children received a cute stocking filled with toys, candy, and a Capri Sun drink.

Early Sunday morning Santa arrived at the church to ride the van. He made his grand entrance into our parking lot in a shiny red corvette. After church the kids loved the 'wheels'. Santa decided to caravan home with us in his red vette. Several parents came out to take pictures with their cell phones of their children with Santa and the fancy car.

Several parents shed tears of thanksgiving for all CUPC does for children. I believe this year we gave many gifts that aren't tangible. I KNOW we touched a few Mom's hearts.

Last night's service was more of a worship service. Kent concluded the service with "Jingle Bells" He called several from the audience to sing the praise team. He chose both young and old join the sing-a-long. He gave an elderly lady his keys to 'play'. Of course people in the audience began to join in with playing their bells, keys. Our church was very much in the spirit of Christmas. Kent was wise enough to realize it wouldn't be a Holy Ghost outpouring. It was however an outpouring of the love of God.

When we drove from the parking lot a sense of rest came over me. I suddendly realized the banquets, parties, giftings, and church festivities were accomplished. What an incredible Christmas season CUPC shared! Now it's off for some much needed family time. The parties aren't over nor the giftings, it's just now for a more personal sense of the meaning of Christmas. I pray all our church families are blessed and enjoy the meaning of Christmas - sharing God's gift, His love and not the commercialized gift of spending and pressure.

Merry Christmas