Advent Devotional: Monday, December 23, 2024

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39

Illustrated by Zoe Hartwell (Age 8)

December 27, 2023, began as a beautiful day, full of promise.  Our family had the privilege of delivering hope (and presents!) to an Angel Tree family whose Christmas celebration had been delayed. The mother of five required emergency surgery, leaving her children with various friends to care for them.  On December 26 one of SMPC’s Angel Tree saints, Kristin Colson, gave us the happy news that the family had been reunited and was ready to receive their gifts.  We collected a full holiday meal from Kristin’s home, picked up the gifts stored at SMPC, and called the family to arrange a delivery time the following day.

Like every other day in December last year, the 27th began with a visit to Dave’s 90-year-old mother, Edith, who had been in hospice care for nearly two months. After a fall, surgery, and a cancer diagnosis, there were many hard days.  We entered her room to the sounds of Nat King Cole Christmas music playing softly.  Reminded by her hospice nurse that the sense of hearing remained, we told Edith about the Angel Tree family and how SMPC’s gifts could bring hope and joy after a difficult season.  Edith was known for her generous spirit, and she devoted her time and resources to caring for the most vulnerable neighbors in her community and around the world.  She was always interested in the outreach ministries we participated in at SMPC.

After our visit, we headed to West Charlotte where Our Angel Tree family had found a tiny, temporary place to stay. We did not expect the mother to greet us at the door, but there she was, apologizing that she was not allowed to help us unload the car.   The children quietly watched with excitement in their eyes as we carried in armloads of gifts and good food.  As parents, we could not imagine the fear, uncertainty, and disappointment they must have felt while their mother was hospitalized during Christmas.   We said our goodbyes and left quickly so their mom could rest.

Before we could return to sit with Dave’s mom that afternoon, we learned that her time of suffering had ended.   Yes, there was sadness, but there was also peace.  And there was joy in knowing that our final moments together were spent sharing how our SMPC family surrounded one Angel Tree family with love when they needed it most.

Loving God, we never know what each day will bring, but we awake each day knowing that we are loved.  Help us to keep our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds open to your holy presence, and to reflect Christ’s love and light into the world every day.  Amen

Dave and Terry Gaines

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