“Joy to the world the Lord is come…” and so proclaimed our little band of red-Santa-hat-wearing carolers during the first two weeks of December. Granny Pam, accompanied by the Community Compassion team from Christian Fellowship Church, went door-to-door in Douglass Park and also visited Woodhaven homes spreading the joy of the season to anyone who would open their doors to our curious little “Choir,” which surprisingly grew in numbers and excitement with each passing night.
Without orchestra or hymnal, maestro or baton, we toted our bin of gift-filled Christmas stockings and lots of joy (and sometimes, a whole lot of noise too!) from house to house. As I heard the “Oooo’s and aaah’s” and the excited “Hurry up and get the kids so they can hear this” from the residents, I found myself thinking, “Maybe we don’t sound so off-key, after all!”
Our goal in taking the kids caroling was to mentor them in the simplicity of giving. It really is “more blessed to give then to receive” and we welcomed the opportunity to show them how to give away what they do have: a voice, a song, a hug, a smile... They experienced, first-hand, the pleasure of brightening someone else’s holiday season as they belted out “Joy to the World” and “We wish you a merry Christmas …from the kids at Granny’s House.”
Each evening, we brought the kids back to Granny’s House for hot cocoa and God-stories from their new Christian Fellowship friends. How exciting for them to hear about grown-ups’ relationships with God that actually began in childhood. They listened intently as different ones shared how much God cares about and stands waiting to help with the things that concern them like anger, making good grades, and obeying their parents.
And just before we all headed home, each Community Compassion team member gathered up two or three little ones to pray with them… such a sweet time. We are so grateful for, not only the gift-filled Christmas stockings they provided, but the kindness and love they showered on all the kids… we loved every moment and can’t wait to have them back at Granny’s House again!!
From all the kids, volunteers, and staff, we hope you have a really wonderful Christmas, filled with the life and love that only He can give.
-Granny Pam
