Tuesday, November 23, 2010

The Christmas Jar


Driving down the road, not long ago, we passed a casino. Emily read the sign and asked me to define casino. I did. Her response?

Wouldn't it be amazing, Mom, if people took all that change and filled Christmas jars instead? Yep, I'm with you Em.

Two years ago, we began a new tradition. In the days leading up to Christmas, we place a jar on the kitchen counter. Every lick of spare change gets dropped into our jar and we commit to pray for the family God wants to have this extra bit of encouragement. It is a tangible, do-able way for our family to bless another family at the most joyful time of the year.

Last year, God literally showed us a miracle in our Christmas jar.

We had visited the city for the day. Our train was not scheduled to leave for some time, so we sat on a bench at the top of the steps leading to our track. As we sat chatting, Emily asked who would receive our jar. I had a specific family in mind and felt convicted that they were to receive the gift, regardless of the fact I did not know if they "needed" the jar. As we chatted about our prayers and who God had revealed to receive the jar, I watched, stunned as the very family God had laid on my heart came up the steps and walked past us in the station. There was no mistaking our confirmation to bless them. You see, they were not there to take in the sights and sounds of Christmas, they were there because they had no other way to get to the city to visit a family member who had just had a very serious surgery.


Hannah napped on Daddy while we chatted on the bench


Late, late, late Christmas Eve, we pulled up to their home and my kind husband, shimmied up the ice laden drive to leave the jar, with just a bow and warm wishes for God to bless them beyond measure.

We don't share our experience for any sort of accolade; this was not our idea. Somewhere along the line, this beautiful ministry was shared with us and we answered the call. We share it now with you, that others might do the same, pay it forward, extend the body of Christ past our own doorways and driveways.

Go ahead, run out to the recycling bin...I am sure there must be a jar in there! :)

5 comments:

3 Peanuts said...

Oh what a GREAT idea. I am going to talk to the kids about doing this tonight. Thank you for sharing:)

Sharon Sloan said...

LOVE THIS!!! So inspired by your testimony last year...you have spurred our family on to do this this year...and hopefully many years to come! Thank you!

Praying God leads us...just as He led you. Wow...I am reminded of that train station confirmation. WOW! God is breath-takingly good!!!!

So excited!!!
Sharon

MacMui Mom said...

I loved this book and doing a Christmas Jar. I have shared the book with several others and even had the rare chance to meet the author. Thanks for sharing your story!

The Byrd's Nest said...

What a great idea Heather! I love it!

Love you and all of your traditions:)

Kristy said...

Oh Heather this is a beautiful idea and we are going to start paying it forward with a Christmas jar also. Heather I just love your heart! All of you make my heart smile!
Merry Christmas.

Love and blessings, Kristy

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