Last Friday, as the information about
the tragedy in Newtown was becoming clearer, I went to the Friday night bible
study as part of the Alfa y Omega Comunidad de Fe (Alpha and Omega Faith
Community) at First United Methodist Church of Lincoln Park. I help with
childcare for the bible study. There is one family that comes most Fridays that
brings four out of their six children to the bible study.
On Friday, the church was having a
No Buy Christmas Bazaar, where people could come and “shop” for gifts for their
family. The children wanted to “shop” for their parents, so we gave each of
them a bag and they ended up picking out gifts for their family and friends.
Once they had their gifts, they
wanted to wrap them so I spent the rest of the time helping the children wrap their
gifts. The parents were surprised to see what they had done, and the parents told the
children that they should put the gifts under the Christmas tree. I hope
that the opportunity to give gifts to their family and friends brings them much
joy this Christmas. I know picking them out and wrapping them did.
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus,
the Christ child, let us celebrate all the children that God brings to us. I
want to thank you for all the ways that you have shared God’s love and joy with
these children. Be it through tutoring programs, like Leap into Learning,
Christmas Toy Give-Aways, Summer Olympics, ESL Childcare, End of the Semester
Parties, Posadas, Vacation Bible School, or providing legal services to them
and/or their parents.
Let us continue to share God’s love
and joy with God’s children. In the beginning of the new year, I will share
with you some new ideas to continue this valuable ministry and ministry with
youth and young adults. I hope that you will join with me in this endeavor or encourage
others to join in. Thank you for all you do to serve the Hispanic/Latino community,
especially the children.
¡Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año!
Sonya Luna
