October is a time of transition, when we start to think about putting the heating on, planting bulbs for the spring, and, for some making plans for Christmas.
In the church I belong to it is a time of preparing shoeboxes to send to families who have very little, in our case through the “Amen” charity, which supplies shoeboxes to Christian partners who work in areas of high need, mainly in Romania. Because we know the boxes go to an area that has very cold winters, our church knitters spend many hours throughout the year making hats, scarves, mittens and blankets to go in the boxes or accompany them.
I am not a very imaginative shopper, and often ask my family to choose their own Christmas gifts, but I find the compiling of my shoebox one of the most pleasurable ways of preparing for Christmas. Videos of the families receiving their boxes show just what poor conditions they live in, so it is entirely appropriate to send basic toiletries such as soap, flannels, toothbrushes and shampoo, things we would include on our own shopping list without a thought. Shopping for small toys, pens, notebooks, and stickers is fun and we are reassured that the children swap between themselves if a gift is not suited to them.
Last year our trusty organiser sent off 480 boxes. The goal this year is 500!
There is a real joy that comes from doing something creative in God’s service. Knitting, choosing items in the shops and wrapping the shoebox with Christmas paper, and a prayer all come into that category and bless the giver as much as the receiver I believe.
Prayer. We thank you Lord for opportunities to serve you in practical ways, and to show your love to those who have very little. We thank you for the Christians who are serving these people in their own country, and pray that our gifts, though very small in monetary terms, may be an encouragement to them as well as to the families who receive the gifts.