Secret Santa

I was listening to the Dave Ramsey Show on the radio today and heard the story of "Secret Santa". A man who started giving to others who looked like they needed a hand in order to make a difference in their lives. The man was born in a small town in the Mississippi delta and grew up very poor not having a lot while growing up. He told the story of how he had been " down on his luck" and not having any money while living out of his car. He had decided to go into a diner and get breakfast and then lie and say he "lost his wallet." He finished up his breakfast and went up to the counter to give his false story. He was waiting to talk to the manager when one of the cooks noticed him, walked up to him and said," Here son you must of dropped this" and handed him a twenty dollar bill. The young man was blown away and said a little prayer telling God, "Lord, if I ever get to a place of wealth I will do this for others." Years later while in a small diner he noticed his waitress wearing a light, tattered coat that looked a little too light for the frigid temperatures and decided he would give her all the change left over from the twenty he would use to pay for the bill. The lady came over to get the money and he said to keep the change--the lady was blown away and said,"Sir, you don't know what this means to me". With this act of kindness God reminded him of the vow he had made many years before. This one man has continued the legacy of giving through being a "Secret Santa" and has given over one million dollars away.
His story has inspired me to give to those who are truly needy and to be an example as Jesus was of whom the Bible says," He (Jesus) went about doing good and healing all those oppressed of the devil for the Lord was with him". Christianity is not only the supernatural but also the practical, small, good deeds that we do everyday. I challenge you to be a "Secret Santa" to someone who needs you. Don't allow the focus of your Christmas to be on your receiving but on giving to others in need. Remember, Freely you have received, freely give! You're not truly living until you learn giving.

Your Pastor

Franko