As I began writing this, I was going to write about the joys of the holiday season: memories made with family and friends and lots of traditions like:
• cutting down the family Christmas tree
• stockings by the fireplace
• baking cookies
• opening gifts on Christmas morning.
Then, I started thinking about many of the kids at RHK. Many do not have traditions like these in their families. Many are sent to family members in different towns/cities during Christmas break. Many do not have a Christmas tree, stockings, or presents.
This year has brought even more struggles for families at RHK. We have had calls asking for extra food, toilet paper, and items of necessity. We are thankful we can help in small ways. But we are even more grateful for the other nonprofits in the area who partner with us and can help the families of the kids we serve. We have always made the kids our priority, and we continue to do so.
At Christmastime, we want the kids to enjoy gifts and traditions. Because of you, our RHK family, the kids CAN enjoy Christmas traditions at RHK. The first is when our teens go to the local tree farm and cut down the tree for the large cafeteria where all who attend can see it. They put their creativity to work decorating the tree and making decorations to "deck the halls" around the building.
Each year, we sit down one-on-one with each child or teen so they can tell us their heart's desire for their Christmas present. Some of this year's wish lists were hard to see. One teen asked for cleaning supplies. I don't know about you, but I don't know many teens who think about cleaning, let alone making sure they have the supplies for cleaning.
Other lists had items for their siblings and nothing for themselves. When asked if we can put anything on the list for themselves, they say, "No, I just want to make sure my brother and sisters get something." Honestly, this child has the giving spirit of Christmas. They are thinking of others. They want to bring joy to someone other than themselves.
We have another important tradition - telling the Legend of the Candy Cane. Each part of the candy cane represents a piece of Jesus. The white is for his purity, the red is for His shed blood, the shape is for the shepherd's hook, and the letter "J" is for His name. Even the smell of peppermint is a reminder of the spices the Wisemen brought to baby Jesus.
While the traditions and gifts are fun and wonderful, we never want to lose sight of Jesus throughout the year. Recently, I watched a Hallmark Christmas movie where they were pitching the idea of "Christmas 365," meaning we should keep the Christmas spirit alive every day of the year. It got me thinking. Why aren't we "pitching" the idea of "Jesus 365?" Jesus is with us 365 days of the year. However, we don't always acknowledge Him. Looking back on this past year, we can see Jesus' fingerprint every day:
RHK is debt-free.
Our new area is open.
RHK had new community opportunities (i.e., the Back to School Health Fair.)
We have new staff, new kids, and new board members.
An RHK endowment fund was established.
Eleven kids were baptized.
We have new sponsors and donors.
These are to mention just a few.
So, as we are ending 2024, and beginning to look towards 2025, let's make it our
habit to see "Jesus 365." Thank you for your continued support in 2024. We are
able to serve the inner-city kids because of your commitment. We wish you and
yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Dee
Comments