Christmas at The Shepherd Center

We realize that Christmas was a few weeks ago (can you believe it’s already been that long?!?), but we still want to share our holiday with you!

We have a tradition at TSC to have a Christmas party with the boys parents/guardians before the 25th arrives.  So on the 22nd of December, we were ready for the party!

While the kitchen was busy getting ready for a special meal, the house was filled with parents, aunts, grandmother, baby brothers and sisters, or whoever was able to represent the boys in our care.  One of these mothers spent time praying over the ministry, and another led us in a time of worship.  Staff shared appreciation, updates, announcements, and more.

I, Lisa, shared a little something that God revealed to me, sensing it would be relevant to our audience.  As I thought about Jesus coming to be born on earth, I was reflecting on how it was really not an easy thing.  It wasn’t easy for Him to leave Heaven and become a baby for sure.  But it wasn’t easy for Mary (or Joseph) either.  They had to deal with many questions about her unexpected pregnancy, undoubtedly.  At nine months pregnant, Mary had to endure a long journey to Bethlehem.  When she arrived, she a first-time mother, had to give birth to her child in a stable.  Without doctor, nurse, or midwife, she was accompanied by only her carpenter husband.  Not long after Jesus’ birth, they had to flee to Egypt in order to spare His life from someone who wanted to kill him.  Meanwhile many other babies died in the pursuit of their son.

Despite all of that, Jesus was the best gift they ever received.  That we’ve ever received.  That anyone could ever receive.

For these parents, their children are not exactly easy all the time.  They struggle to feed, clothe, and educate them.  They struggle to know how to be good parents while also juggling their own challenges.  We at The Shepherd Center also face difficulties with these boys.

But they are gifts.

These boys are incredible gifts to all of us, despite the struggles we face as we receive them.  And it is through the best gift of all, Jesus, that we are able to make it through and see God at work in their lives.

I trust those words resonated in the hearts of these people, with whom we have partnered in this task of raising these boys, as they enjoyed a special meal and watched their boys receive gifts.

Many of our friends and supporters gave extra so that we could bless each of the boys at The Shepherd Center with some Christmas gifts.  After weeks of planning, shopping, and organizing, we were ready to give each one a big bag full of items that brought big smiles to their faces.

Thanks so much to all of you who helped make this Christmas special!  Enjoy the pictures of the day!