“Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.” Isaiah 58:10 (NLT)

Pounding hammers echoed in the cool December air along with the chatter and laughter of busy workers. Although an unexpected sound for Christmas, it must have been music to the ears of the recipients. The cheerful noise brought hope of restoration to those whose homes suffered hurricane damage.

Even after four months, much work was still left to be done. But how does one rebuild an entire coastline of devastated communities?

One does not. But many do.

And they were. A myriad of volunteers, surely angels in disguise, descended upon the neighborhoods to provide food, water, clothing, and temporary shelters. Next, they came to clean up and remove debris. Then, they were there to help rebuild.

When the Christmas holidays arrived, work did not slow down, rather it increased. In an amazing display of God’s love and compassion, volunteers of all ages used their Christmas vacation to bring wood, hammers and nails to people recovering from the hurricane. Like the angels filling the night sky as they brought good tidings of great joy to the shepherds in the fields, so did these kindhearted volunteers bring good tidings to the suffering.

Father of Hope, may we be people who obey your command to help others, because kindness and compassion are beautiful gifts to give at Christmas and all year long.

 Grace & Peace