The Privileged Life: Operation Christmas Child

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

What a privilege to volunteer in North Carolina today with Operation Christmas Child! 

For more than 25 years, Samaritan’s Purse ministries have shipped out millions of shoeboxes filled with simple gifts—each box packed with love and prayers for children to receive the good news about Jesus Christ. These gifts come from individuals and churches who send toys, school supplies, soap, toothbrushes, and Christmas cheer to needy children around the planet.

At the processing centers, each box is opened and examined to make sure the items inside are all appropriate. Then the boxes are resealed, placed in containers, and whisked off to remote regions around the world to be delivered by local church pastors and members. 

All of this requires a huge effort from thousands of volunteers—who count it all joy! This is my third year to participate with my sweet church friends, and as you can imagine, it’s like being inside Santa’s workshop. Oh, what fun it is to watch the gifts go by on the processing line, seal them with tape, and place them in larger boxes, all done with Christmas music playing overhead. The boxes we processed today are headed to the Ukraine.

Getting to be a small part of Operation Christmas Child is a true privilege. But it’s more than that. It’s a gift to me. Being here sets my heart on track for the Christmas season, gets me ready for the arrival of Jesus Christ into this world…filling me with a sense that whatever is wrong in the world will be righted by His coming.

Oh, may your Christmas season be as colorful, merry, and bright as my work today with my friends! May Jesus Christ be the gift You receive with joy this year! 

Loving Father, please bless all of the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to be delivered soon around the globe to children who are hungry to know Your love. May these children find Your grace for them in each gift, and may they come to know Your Son, Jesus Christ, this season. For Your glory, Amen.

Here’s a taste of what it’s like to be inside a processing center:

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