In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35
Last Sunday afternoon our church went on our Annual Christmas Caroling Hayride. We always go to the VA home in town, as well as both of the nursing homes and usually a few shut ins. The weather was nicer than it usually is and everyone couldn't fit in the trailer for the hayride. Some followed us from place to place in cars. Our cows were happy to loan us some of their square bales for the hayride, but made it clear that they wanted them back when the hayride was over.
We have Christmas Carol binders with all the words to the songs we'll be singing, and we pass them out to all the participants. We normally stroll the halls, stopping at the resident's rooms and singing to them. When we find a group of residents sitting in a common area, we'll sing a little longer. It is so heart-warming to see the smiles on their faces. Some have requests for us to sing and some sing along with us and follow us down the hall. We have monthly services at the VA home and one of the nursing homes, so it was good to get to see those that regularly attend the services during the caroling event.
After we had caroled for two hours and our voices were about to go out, we rode back to the church where we had a fellowship time with hot chocolate and finger food. We enjoyed each others' company and played a fun game that got everyone involved.
Singing hymns and Christmas carols brings back precious memories for the residents (and us too!) and is a joyful time for all. Our annual caroling event aims to simply do something kind for the people at the homes we visited, but we got more of a blessing from it than they did. Just seeing their smiles and having them sincerely thank us, shake our hands, and hug us, made our day and underscored Jesus' teaching that it is indeed more blessed to give than receive.
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