As Christmas approaches, I am reflecting on one small verse which draws my heart in grateful praise: “For of His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John 1:16). His fullness! When I pause to think of it, the beauty of it takes my breath away. Who are we, that we should receive of Jesus’ fullness? Yet we behold His glory in countless ways, through countless people. And each gift of grace is a humbling revelation of His love!
The Lord has placed many people in our lives as signs of His grace. Generous, compassionate donors provide for our mission and ministry financially and also with other tangible gifts. From those who give monthly out of their “little” to those who give out of the abundance of what they have, each gift is a sacred gift, a needed gift of grace. We couldn’t do what we do without our donors! We also receive donations of food, clothing, furniture and appliances to share with those in need. This fall someone donated a used car to a family without transportation. What a blessing it is for us to appropriate every gift of grace and to meet the needs of those around us. If you are reading this and you are a donor, thank you!
Every Monday, we have a volunteer who picks up our food for distribution and brings it to us. We have another volunteer who receives our gifts of clothing, sorts the clothes, and stores them until giveaway time. Another volunteer is a tutor; another helps with TMC bookkeeping. Yet another volunteer organizes volunteer drivers to bring the church van to pick up those who want to worship with us every Sunday. Another friend, acquainted with TMC as a volunteer for various projects and events, is a teacher who advocates missions to her third grade class. Now that class has “adopted” us. What a special gift of relationship!
A recent gift of grace came to us through a friend who invited our children to her farm for horse and cart rides, roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. And for that same outing another group of women came alongside to serve, providing sack lunches, drinks, and transportation. This is truly grace upon grace, isn’t it?
The Lord has given us people who pray with us and for us, and He has brought about every gift of grace spoken of above. We have board members with hearts of fire, who labor beside us and encourage us. The Lord of love is in our midst! A well-loved Christmas hymn says so beautifully, “Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.” When He enters in, His fullness is poured out. We are giving thanks for grace upon grace.
