Luke 2 recounts that when Mary received the news from the shepherds about what the angels had said about Jesus, that she treasured the news and pondered what she had heard. Christmas may be more about some deep introspection about who we have been given, and what it might mean to the world, than anything else.
It is said in the scriptures as well that the kingdom of heaven is within us, and that we carry this treasure in earthen vessels. Something to consider and ponder as well, as we have some time here over the holidays to prepare for 2010.
There is now little doubt in my mind that the gospel cannot be separated from a direct connection with the poor. Jesus himself born into a poor family, taking the form of a servant, announcing His will to preach the good news to the poor, and time spent with the people on the margins… you can also read the news pronounced before his birth and at his birth – about how he would bring equity to a world not desiring equity.
I note now that again, like Mary, many women are taking the lead in being Jesus to the poor.
One woman I met this year has raised enough funds to a family living in an apartment filled with cockroaches and rats, to move into the Village where we can now walk with this family and help them toward a brighter future. Alexis here at the Village has been instrumental as well, spending time with the family and working hard to get them moved in by Christmas. Another group of women has dedicated finances toward getting this family new furniture (they can’t take any furniture or clothes with them because of the cockroaches)… They have all carried on the tradition of Mary, who treasured her Son above all else.
We could be waking up – now we just have to get organized.
All kinds of friends bought presents and sent gift cards for West Side kids at Christmas.
I visited a 4H club last night and the kids made care packages for our friends at Pershing Park.
People from all over are bringing sleeping bags, blankets, and socks for our friends at Pershing tonight.
Habitat for Humanity is doing some new housing for families on the West Side.
My pondering this Christmas is how I might be a better servant/leader now for an awakening movement. For whatever reason, God has placed me in the middle with a view of all the possibilities and kingdom dreams. It can both be exhilarating and depressing at times, riding this thing out. I believe that 2010 can truly be the year of living generously, as there will be more opportunities than ever, but we all may have to dig even deeper.
Because on the other end of the reality, there is still much work to be done. I heard on the radio this week that one in seven children in the USA lives under the poverty level. It breaks my heart to read on one of the wish cards from kids at the Carrillo Apartments, that this little girl wishes “they had enough food to eat.” I think “how can this be true in Santa Barbara?”
I also see the line of hungry getting longer at Pershing Park – many of them being friends without homes, but many of them just not having enough money to get food.
So, ponder all that you have been given in Jesus, and consider what it means to the very real world. We aren’t just passing through, we have treasured time here to make a difference and see how the holistic gospel truly transforms lives and the communities we live in. Here’s to a generous 2010 lived together.