The true spirit of Christmas

A meaningful memory of Christmas Eve 2023, resurfaces Christmas Eve 2024, and is beautifully written down for us:  by Drew A, Prince of Peace Dir. of Youth and Service

Christmas time for church staff, like me, can be overwhelming. Between services and concerts, pageants and presents, family and friends, this season of quiet and patience can often times feel like a whirlwind. When I began working at this church, I remember feeling like Christmas didn't start for me until all the work was done and I could finally relax. Even Christmas Eve, which for a long time established the most spiritual moments I have experienced, felt busy, and sometimes it felt like I was missing the spirit of the Christ child  while I checked every box. 

This past Christmas Eve was different though. The Rotating Safe Car Park shelter (RSCP) program was on our site in December, which led to even more things going on, and an even busier Christmas Eve. There was a moment where I felt like there was too much to do. At that moment I looked up and saw Ron (name changed for privacy), a great man and a former RSCP guest, who just a few weeks prior was able to find permanent housing. Ron was beaming and his grin went from ear to ear. We hugged and talked about his new apartment. I was overcome with joy and was so happy that Ron came back to join us for our Christmas Eve service, as a friend, and as someone who benefitted so much from this program.

I grabbed Ron a bulletin and was about to help him find his seat, when he reached into his pocket. This man who had just solidified his housing handed me 3 gift cards for local gas stations for the RSCP program to use to help the guests in need. 

At this moment on Christmas Eve I was again feeling overwhelmed, but not by busy schedules or too much going on, but by the presence of the Holy Spirit in this moment with Ron. All of the hard work seemed so easy now, and seemed so unbelievably well worth it. Ron showed me the spirit of Christmas, and just as importantly, showed how important this program is, and how it can quite literally change someone's life. While not every guest of RSCP will have the same story as Ron, it is these stories that keep me passionate about this program, that keep me motivated to do the work I do, and to hold in perspective how important this work truly is.

I hope this story illustrates the type of impact, both on our guests and volunteers, that this program has. Thank you for your support!