Last week, I joined a Zoom call with Compassion International. I have been a child sponsor for many years, and I was invited to watch children at a Peruvian church center celebrate Christmas and open gifts. Compassion provides a safe place for vulnerable children and includes them in fun activities.
I like donating to this organization because they ‘release children from poverty in Jesus’ Name.’ I have a friend who grew up in this program, and he is an ambassador for them. It’s been cool to see how the Lord Jesus has used him over the years. I am glad for the opportunity to be a part of something bigger.
This Zoom call showed us a representation of other Compassion Christmases around the world. In fact, we got to see a short clip of children singing Christmas carols in various languages across different Compassion programs. One thing they had in common was the joy on their faces.
It was a really cool experience to watch. The kids knew they were on camera, but they didn’t make a huge deal of it. The church was hosting families of the kids it serves, some of whom had not heard the Gospel. There was a Nativity play inside, and then the camera went outside to where food would be served.
A group of older ladies had been up since 5 a.m., preparing food over hot coals. They had made staples, like chicken and rice, as well as Panettone bread and hot chocolate. Apparently, no Peruvian Christmas is complete without those two treats! Even when Christmas happens to be 90+ degrees!
At one point, they had a small group of children ready to open their gifts. The host explained that the teachers asked each child what they wanted for Christmas. Then, some of the workers drove a few hours to the nearest city to buy everything.
The kids opened their gifts one by one and showed them to the camera with big smiles. Many of us online were a little surprised… Each child received a t-shirt and a towel. I don’t know what the rest of the kids will receive, but I expected the majority to request a toy or something “fun.”
When asked about this, one little boy said (in Spanish), “I know my mom works really hard at her job. I didn’t want her to have to worry about buying me a towel, so I asked for one here.” It was very sweet, but also a little heartbreaking. Nonetheless, each child seemed very happy and grateful for their practical gifts. Several put on their new shirts to show us.
One of the Compassion teachers told us her two daughters attend the program. So, it is a big blessing for her whole family. Her girls have their needs met doubly – through sponsorship and the mother’s paycheck. It has been life-changing for the family in many ways!
I appreciated the simplicity of the children’s requests and their gratitude for so little. As an American, it is a humbling reminder of all we have to be grateful for. I also liked seeing the effects of lovingkindness and good stewardship. The focus remained on Jesus, not just what the kids might want or receive.
Jesus is the best gift ever! His coming was inconvenient for Him (Philippians 2:5-11). For starters, consider learning to walk, puberty, betrayal, and the Cross! No, Jesus came because He loved us… me… you. He wanted a relationship with us and was willing to lay aside His glory and do whatever it took to remove the barriers sin created between God and us. He had compassion on us and put His love in action.
Tomorrow, Lydia and I will enjoy good food, open gifts, visit with friends, call family, and enjoy our time together. I am grateful for our many blessings, but most of all Jesus. Merry Christmas!!
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Father God, thanks for the most precious gift, Your Son, Jesus! May we not take Him for granted. May we generously share Your grace, lovingkindness, and mercy with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Questions: What gift are you most hoping to receive this Christmas? Have you accepted the free gift of forgiveness and salvation that Jesus Christ offers?
Task: As you open gifts this Christmas, take inventory of your attitude and thank Jesus for Who He is and all He has done for you!.
