I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on. Mark 12:43b-44 (niv)

Recently in the comic section of the newspaper, one young child asked another, “What is Halloween?” The second child said, “The first day of Christmas!”

Interesting response isn’t it? Our first thought might be that this is so true and be upset about it. There are, however, some times when actions for Christmas during October just have to be. I am in one of those situations right now as director of the Christmas sharing project for our church this year. Preparations for such an endeavor require identifying recipients of gifts, developing instructional information and aids for the congregation, and scheduling all the steps so as to permit time for shopping, wrapping, and delivery of the gifts for distribution in a timely manner to the families who will share Christmas joy with our congregation. Thus, activity must begin in late October to meet an early December delivery date.

This week, while working with a guidance counselor at a local public school regarding the project, she shared the following with me. The counselor had sent a form letter to a grandmother raising a grandchild to tell her she and the boy had been selected as recipients of “Christmas love” and to ask for a wish list. This grandmother eats only one meal a day so that her grandson will have all he wants/needs, is grieving the recent death—three months ago—of her husband, and suffers with several chronic, life-threatening illnesses that cause her to worry constantly about who will take care of the child when she dies.

The grandmother’s response upon receipt of the letter from the counselor was:

“Thank you very much, but I do not need, and I have already made sure my grandson will have enough. I am teaching him to be grateful, and humble. I also teach him that Christmas is about Baby Jesus’ Birthday, and because He lives in us all, we all share in His Birthday. It is not all about a lot gifts. I would feel better if another child was given something and perhaps his/her family. I have reached an age where possessions are not important, but rather the inner person. With much gratitude for having selected us, I most respectfully decline.”

On the form, in the section for listing Christmas wishes, the grandmother asked simply for prayers for herself and her grandson.

Please pray with me: Lord, you continue to teach us in parables by linking us to neighbors following those parables you shared with your disciples when you walked this earth. Thank you for this grandmother’s testimony that teaches us to be content within our circumstances. Help us to learn to live below our means in order to share generously with others who need our support. I pray for this grandmother and her grandson. I ask that you give them extra blessing today. Amen.
 

Contributed by Nancy
Monday October 31, 2011
Liturgical Year A: Week 49
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday Gospel reading:
Lectionary 31 {Proper 26) Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost