Wednesday, 07 October 2009
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To Operation Christmas Child, 'Tis The Season for Giving
If you've been to your local retail or department store recently, you've probably seen the Christmas decorations already in full view, and some places are even playing Christmas music. The “Christmas creep,” as it is sometimes referred, is already well under way, and it can sap the life out of your Christmas spirit long before December arrives. Yet to one organization—whose hope is to spread some Christmas cheer to children in areas of the world ravaged by war, hunger, and poverty—'tis the season to be generous. over 100 countries all across the globe, everywhere from the war-torn regions of Pakistan to, quite literally, Timbuktu. In the 16 years since the project began, Operation Christmas Child has collected more than 69 million gifts, with 8 million expected this year alone.
While this seems like a feat any humanitarian organization could accomplish, Samaritan's Purse takes it a step farther, offering recipient children the chance to participate in the Operation Christmas Child Discipleship Program. The program consists of a series of Bible lessons and a copy of the New Testament, translated into the local language of each child. According to the group's website, some 1.2 million children are expected to complete the program in the next year.
So while the months of October and November can drain the life out of your Christmas cheer, perhaps taking the time to put together a shoebox gift for Operation Christmas Child can rejuvenate your spirit.
The organization will collect shoeboxes from November 16-23. For more information on Operation Christmas Child, or to read stories and watch videos about how the project has impacted the lives of Children worldwide, visit their website.
If you've participated in Operation Christmas Child, or any other Christmas ministry, how has the experience impacted your outlook on Christmas time? What are some other preventative measures we can take now to ensure the “Christmas creep” doesn't sap our spirit this holiday season?
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About the Author
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- From: modernmelody
- Name: Rebecca
- About Me: I'm an ordinary girl with a song to sing -- my modern melody.
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Comments (9)
Seems like I feel more in the "Christmas spirit" when I help others. Samaritan's purse is an AMAZING organization. My grandmother and I did boxes for Operation Christmas Child for years.... I think the first time was when I was 10....and the last one I did with her was when I was 21 or 22. I haven't participated in a few years, but I think I will this year, for sure.
[adventconspiracy.org]
@TheGreatBout@xanga - Yes, Advent Conspiracy is another way to keep the spirit of Christmas alive. Its message is very different to that of Operation Christmas Child, but I think both of them are good ideas.
Our church has done OCC for several years. It has been a meaningful process for so many at our church. We have also received many letters of gratitude from the children's families who were benefited. Typically, this is the first shopping people in our church do, so it is good to start off buying something for children outside of our normal circles.
I really enjoy working on the shoeboxes I've done in the past. The one year was when the tsunami had devastated so many people, and Good Samaritan workers had those boxes to offer as some form of help and personal healing to each child's family. So while the toys and candy are important, don't overlook the practical gifts of sending t-shirts or other small clothing item, too! I never heard from anyone I sent to; but I often think of the things I bought and how they helped someone who desperately needed to know that God wasn't overlooking them.
great post!
cm
My old church used to do OCC all the time. It was a good time for the church to just get together for one cause instead of being split by age groups. Feels good, man.
Also, helping out at the local rescue mission during the holidays (thanksgiving, christmas, etc) also brings the church together for a good cause of keeping people fed and clothed.
My church is doing this too!
Ive done this many times.
Its a great program and I think everyone should give it a try.
I've always enjoyed doing OCC!