Shoebox Packing Party!!!

This past weekend was the Shoebox Packing Party at our house!!! We had so much fun hanging out with family and friends... and making a difference at the same time! This has got to be our family's most favourite leading-up-to-Christmas tradition!!!

Folding boxes on Canadian Thanksgiving Day.

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:

to loose the chains of injustice 

and untie the cords of the yoke, 

to set the oppressed free 

and break every yoke?

Is it not to share your food with the hungry 

and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter —

First round of packing... just our family alone.

when you see the naked, to clothe him, 

and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, 

and your healing will quickly appear;

then your righteousness will go before you, 

and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; 

you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

First round of packing --- all done!!!

If you do away with the yoke of oppression, 

with the pointing finger and malicious talk,

Second round of packing... so much fun!!!

and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry 

and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,

then your light will rise in the darkness, 

and your night will become like the noonday.

The LORD will guide you always; 

he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land 

and will strengthen your frame.

Third round of packing begins!!!

You will be like a well-watered garden, 

like a spring whose waters never fail.

Writing notes to shoebox recipients.

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins 

and will raise up the age-old foundations;

Folding more boxes --- we ran out!!!

you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, 

Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

~ Isaiah 58:6-12 (NIV 1984)

All done --- 165 gift-filled shoeboxes on their way to make children happy!!!

Unwrapping more of His love in this world.

Act justly.  Love mercy.  Walk humbly with God!