12/16/2024

Is there a song you simply cannot listen to without tearing up?
For me, it’s “Christmas Shoes.” Here’s a heart-wrenching snippet from the lyrics:

"Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my mama, please.
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size.
Could you hurry, sir, daddy says there's not much time.
You see, she's been sick for quite a while,
And I know these shoes would make her smile,
And I want her to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus tonight."

I’ll give you a moment to grab a tissue. Go ahead, I’ll wait.

As a mom of two young children, these words cut straight to my heart. If you know the story, it’s about a little boy who desperately wants to buy shoes for his dying mother. He doesn’t have enough money, but a stranger behind him in line steps in and pays for the shoes out of pure compassion.

A desperate need, unable to be met alone.
The kindness, generosity, and compassion of another meeting that need.

This is the essence of Christmas.

We, too, had a need we could never meet on our own. But God, in His boundless compassion, sent Jesus to meet that need for us.

And if we’re honest, it’s not just the essence of Christmas—it’s the essence of LIFE. Jesus teaches us to show kindness, generosity, and compassion to others, especially those who cannot care for themselves: the lost, the lonely, the hurting, the forgotten.

This is exactly what YOU did this Christmas season.

At Journey Church, we pledged to sponsor 43 children for Christmas, providing clothing, a toy, and a book for each one. Not only did we meet that goal, but we exceeded it! Thanks to your generosity, we received coats, shoes, gloves, and so many additional items to bless children in need.

From the bottom of my heart—thank you!

To everyone who donated gifts, gave financially, or offered support: you embody what it means to care for others in Jesus’ name. I’m so proud to call you my church family, and I love telling others about the incredible work you’re doing in our community.

May your kindness, compassion, and generosity continue to grow in 2025. Together, let’s keep making a difference.

-Jackie