The Least of These

Last Sunday, we heard from the inviting yet frightening text of Matthew 25, in which Christ teaches that what we do for “the least of these,” we do for Christ himself. What an invitation—though Christ is ascended to his Father’s right hand, we can serve him in real and meaningful ways here on earth in meeting our neighbors’ practical needs for hospitality, food, drink, clothing, and companionship. What a challenge—when we turn a blind eye to those around us, we are ignoring an opportunity to serve Christ.

In light of this challenge, the youth of Christ the Redeemer are delighted to participate in CTR’s annual Christmas gift ministry, “Christmas Angels.” A tree is placed in the Parish Hall, covered by tags that have names and information for different children in need of some help with Christmas gifts—practical gifts like winter clothing. While we have historically given gifts to children on Cape Ann, we also give them to children personally known to our congregation, and this year we are giving to approximately ten additional children through the local Department of Children and Families. Gifts tend to cost approximately $35-$45. Sometimes they are given by individuals, sometimes by families, or even by groups pooling together their resources.

This next Sunday is the last opportunity to take a tag from the tree.

• Take a tag from the decorated tree in the Parish Hall
• Register your name on the list near the tree— youth group members should be there to assist
• Purchase the gift requested by the child’s family
• Return the gift by December 10
• Pray for this child during the Advent season.