By Mandy Cloninger
On Thanksgiving Day, I met a God loving and fearing man named Keith. He shared with me that he had served nine months in prison and was released on the day prior. He had come to Metropolitan Ministries on Thanksgiving seeking God, wanting to walk a closer path with Him, encouraged that his employer said he could come back to work that Saturday, and carrying his Bible and wearing a white pair of sandal-like shower shoes, the only shoes he had while in prison. He asked if we might have a pair of shoes for him; a size 12 if possible. A pair of shoes were located in the thrift store, a size 13 pair of Asics. We hoped they fit him ok.
Keith worshipped that morning in the holiday tent, received communion and one of the preachers who served that morning prayed with Him. Before Keith departed he located one of our staff and the same preacher who prayed with him that morning, and he wanted to say thank you.
He said, I was given these cards while I was in prison, but I didn’t have anyone to send them to, and I wanted to give one to you and say thank you.
The message on the card was one of love.
You are loved… You have a purpose... You are not alone…
Keith reminded me of the shepherds; they were on the outskirts, despised, overlooked, shunned by most.
“Yet, we are loved by a God who sees the overlooked. He looks at our hearts, not our place in society. So at the birth of his only Son, God chose a group of people invisible to most of the world to celebrate the good news of their Savior’s birth. After hearing from God, the shepherds immediately went to witness the miracle for themselves, after which they spread the glorious news far and wide (The Advent Conspiracy.)”
I thank God for Keith, that he showed me Immanuel this Advent season. That God is with us, and it is through expressions of love to one another that we share the most precious gift of our Savior this Christmas.
Like the shepherds and Keith, that's the story we should be singing in exultation at Christmas.
Glory to God, and God Bless You, Keith.
“The Lord your God is with you… He will quiet you with His love…” Zephaniah 3:17
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