Warming the Tree

Do you all remember the story by Hans Christian Andersen about The Little Match Girl?  It really is a very sad tale of a poor little girl sent out into the cold on a winters day to sell matches to help with the family income.  Having sold no matches all day she is afraid to go home and spends the night on the streets where she succumbs to the cold, but not before lighting a bundle of matches in an effort to keep warm.  But really in the spark of each match and flicker of light that briefly shines, she sees the glory of heaven.

This year as in the past several years our church has decorated a Christmas tree during advent with hats, gloves, scarves and the like.  The donations are gathered up and given to the those who are less fortunate and/or are homeless.  The kids and adults alike come forward during the children's message and "decorate" the tree.  What won't fit on the tree is placed at its base.  I hope that this year no one has to die in the cold.  I pray that those with the greatest need will benefit from the gift.  That in the giving they will see the love that God has for them.  I know that the pairs of gloves we put on the tree won't save the world, but they can at least keep someone's hands warm.

And perhaps by helping others we can see a glimpse of heaven ourselves.

"And the King will answer and say to them, 

'Assuredly, I say to you, 

inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, 

you did it to Me.'

Matthew 25:40