Caring Creatively

Wednesday - December 29th

Scripture to Read Today: Matthew 25:31-46

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"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." -Jesus

Matthew 25:35-36

Thousands of people flock to Rockefeller Plaza in New York City every year to see the lighting of the Rockefeller Plaza Christmas Tree. Even more people stream through to see the beautiful tree in the weeks leading up to (and after) Christmas. But what many people don't know is that the excitement doesn't cease once the tree is taken down.

Each Rockefeller Plaza Christmas Tree's lumber has been donated to Habitat for Humanity International since 2007. Habitat for Humanity builds homes for families in need with all of the supplies and hours of labor donated by generous supporters of their mission. President Jimmy Carter famously served in building homes with Habitat after he left the White House.

How great is it that the famous New York City Christmas decor is repurposed to help needy families! What a blessing that something so iconic can be used to help those Jesus referenced as "the least of these!"

In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus describes the judgment that is coming one day. He commends those who cared for the hurting, poor, and marginalized. Because as they did so, they were ultimately doing it for Him. Anyone who names Jesus as their Savior and Lord should care about those others overlook. We should be the ones that show up when no one else does. We should be the ones who give to meet the needs of the needy. When we do, others see Jesus in and through us.

Jesus met the needs of people in a variety of creative ways. He met each person where they were. He met their need the best way possible. Jesus even did similar miracles in different ways to help people in the way they needed!

The story of how the Rockefeller Plaza Christmas Tree is repurposed to help those in need challenges us to be creative in meeting the needs of others. So, let's look for ways to repurpose stuff, give to help others, and invest time to make a difference in Jesus' name!

We care creatively, like Christ, when we look for any way possible to help those less fortunate than we are!