I am not really that much of a shopper. Christmas crowds and crazy bargain hunting is definitely not my usual scene. But yesterday, I was very blessed to shop. I know that sounds odd, but it was true. We had a Manger Marketplace event at my church where twelve or so non-profit causes set up booths and sold items that would benefit their charity. There were wind chimes, Christmas ornaments,scarves, baked goods, jewelry, coffee, ice cream, lotion, and many more items available for purchase. Many items had been handcrafted by people in far away lands...and it was beautiful work!
I got a lot of people crossed off of my Christmas shopping list after this event and I am so glad that these gifts will be doing more than putting a smile on the reciever's face. The purchases will also put a smile on the face of a woman seeking to provide for her family, of a man who can give his children somewhere to live, of a woman who needs to get off of the streets and make an honest living, of a homeless person who needs a bite to eat.
Giving gifts can change the world and I am so glad that many of mine this year will be a blessing to people in need, here at home and around the world! If you still have some shopping to do, take a moment to consider what you can buy that will have an impact on those in need.
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