Four years ago, a friend called me after the holidays.
She wanted to know if I had any extra ornaments from our recent Jesse Tree ornament exchange. She had a friend who needed them. “She was diagnosed with breast cancer. It is serious. She wants to do the Jesse Tree with her kids…now.”
We quickly sounded the horn and collected a full set of ornaments, many which the moms had donated from their own set. There was no hesitation in the asking or the giving because each of us understood. The dear mom who would receive this set was possibly not going to see another Christmas.
As the ornaments came in, prayers did as well. Each mom was invested, wanting to know if we were going to get a full set, and how the mom was doing. Looking back, I could have just mailed my own set. I honestly don’t know why I did not. Instead, I opened the need up to our groups and the beauty of the body of Christ, the sisterhood of moms, bonded together and made it happen.
I realized then that our little Jesse Tree ministry was WAY MORE than just making ornaments, and doing Bible based crafts for kids.
Our family was in a privileged position to meet and witness passionate, like-minded, grace-filled, servant-hearted, AMAZING moms who were committed to loving Jesus.
And we had them all in one room with glue guns, ribbon, and paint.
But something happens when you put a group of God-fearing, family-loving moms together even in what seems a mundane task…MINISTRY happens.
Hearts are encouraged, life giving words are spoken, empathy and understanding abound, and purpose is solidified.
It’s hard being a mom. Especially a mom who is wanting to live differently from the world, and who labors lovingly to lead her family to Jesus.
So when one of us is hurting or in need–the troops are rallied.
We have been given this incredible gift in Jesus, and the gift goes on when we share it with another.
So that’s exactly what we started to do.
Our groups that now meet and do an ornament exchange through the Jesse Tree “give away” a box to another mom for Christmas.
Each group consists of 24 moms who make 24 of the same ornaments each and then they exchange with each other. Now, we each make 25 ornaments and we fill a box for a mom just like us who “needs a little fighting for.” (Because at one time or another, we all need a little of that.)
Our groups discuss various needs of the individual moms from their neighborhoods and communities, and then prayerfully consider to whom the box is given.
A mom with a long term illness. A mom raising a special needs child. A mom waiting for her “adopted” child. A single mom. A mom who had a rough year.
All united in purpose, these amazing moms–YOU, amazing mom–you give.
And the gift goes on….because WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN SO MUCH.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”– Acts 20:35
We would love for you to join us this Christmas in gathering a group together of AMAZING moms, and blessing a family with a Jesse Tree box. Or maybe you know of someone who needs the troops rallied around her? We would love to hear from you!
P.S. The mom I wrote about at the beginning of this post–the Lord has preserved her life! She is still fighting, but praise Jesus she has been given the gift of life these past 4 years and giving God the glory! Will you pray for her now as your read this and all moms out there who will be receiving a box this year? Thank you!
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