At this time of the year, churches all over the world are placing red and green cardboard boxes in their foyers. These are not ordinary boxes, but very special ones. Most people refer to them as the shoeboxes, but these boxes will never hold shoes. Yet, when filled with toys, small items of clothing, Bible verses, crayons, and prayers, these boxes will travel all over the world. If these boxes did contain shoes, they would never be able to walk the distances that these boxes will travel.

Micah 5:4 – He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness and will reach to the ends of the earth. (NIV)

On a designated Sunday, the children in worship bring forward these boxes, filled and ready to be sent forth on a mission to bring hope, love, and so much more than the contents of the boxes to children all over the world. As our pastor prays over these boxes that the children are holding in their arms, I am in awe, thinking of the lives that these boxes will touch.

Think of the logistics of moving these boxes from the vestibules at our churches in such a short time to the hands of children all over the world: the vision of a ministry started in 1990 with the supernatural power of Jesus, to move packages to the far reaches of the world. To date, over 100 million shoeboxes have been distributed.

As we enter this Christmas season, we can use these small boxes that will travel all over the world to share Jesus in a very big way with children who do not know Him. As we rub shoulders with family, friends, co-workers, and shop clerks, we can share Jesus by encouraging them to fill these boxes too.

1 John 4:14 – And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be Saviour of the world. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for coming to this earth as a baby for our salvation. Give us a boldness to share with family and friends about the shoeboxes and invite them to join us in filling them. Unite our hearts with Yours, that all will come to know the name of Jesus. In His name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Julie Bowles <julieanni@rogers.com>
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
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