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Tuesday, December 20th, 9:30 AM

I wasn't sure if I was going to see my friend.  This concerned me.  I had a special present for him, and I was excited to see him!  Yet, uncertainty was in my mind.  I was worried.  There was a chance that I might not see my friend today.  I was worried because I didn't know if I was even able to find my friend.  I prayed, "Oh, Lord! Help me to find my friend today.  Direct my steps so that I can cross his path and see him."  

These were my thoughts as I drove downtown today.   To help you understand my thoughts, I will back up and bring you up to speed in my story.   Several months ago, I became friends with a man who was on the street.  We spent time together over the fall.  Fast-forward to today: my friend has moved off the street but his poverty cycle and struggles are very real.   He is currently residing in a bachelor suite apartment.  He has no landline, no internet, and no cell phone.  As you can imagine, it is hard to get a hold of my friend!  I never know where he will be, and there is no method of direct communication.

So, there I was: driving around, looking around, searching the downtown with a Christmas hamper from MCA Church in my car.  I pulled up to his apartment, parked the car, and walked up to his building.  There was joy in my heart as I knocked on his apartment door...but...no response...oh no!  Now what?

I asked God to direct my steps.  God led me to a nearby drop-in hangout center.  I went through the doors and looked through the crowd.  Quickly, I spotted my friend.  Hurray!  We connected. I was so excited to share the good news: MCA Church had a Christmas food hamper for him.   It was a joyful connection and an awesome time together.

At MCA Church this Advent Season, we have been speaking about "Welcoming Jesus."  When we do this, we welcome the hope, joy, peace, and love of Jesus into our lives.  Only Jesus can bring these things.  When we welcome Jesus, we welcome his life (hope, joy, peace, and love) into our neighborhoods, our workplaces, our schools, and beyond!

One tangible way that we do this at MCA Church is through our Christmas food hamper ministry.  This is led by Jan and Fred Heppner, their team of volunteers, and the many people who contribute food and finances from MCA Church.  *NOTE* A special thank you to Jan and the many people who have helped our church "engage our city."  You have brought the love of Jesus to many homes this Christmas season.  Today especially, the tangible gift of food was a blessing to my friend.

How will you bring the love of Jesus into your neighborhood?  

Try hosting a few neighbors over for dinner and begin by taking an interest in their lives.  Not there yet?  Make a point of saying hello to your neighbors daily.

Let Jesus guide you in bringing good news to those around you.

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Cameron