From the Pastor’s Desk – December 2022

Dear Friends,

I received my undergraduate degree at the University of Central Missouri, in Warrensburg, MO. While I was there, each Christmas we would hear of the generosity of one man in Kansas City. Larry Stewart from 1979-2006 (he died in 2007) became the city’s “Secret Santa.” He was an anonymous giver. He remained anonymous until shortly before he died. He would let reporters go with him when he passed out money as long as they promised not to divulge his identity. Larry would walk into places like diners and laundromats to surprise people he felt needed help.

Every Christmas, this “Secret Santa” sought out people who are down and out, and he quietly slips them an envelope with a crisp, brand new $100 bill slipped inside. The recipients are usually astonished at this unmerited act of generosity. Seeing the reaction of people was so heartwarming. He inspired people with intent.

One year, someone tracked down this “Secret Santa” and asked him, “Why do you do this?” Larry replied how life had blessed him with an extremely successful business venture. But this was not always the case. In 1971 he was an out-of-work salesman who was reduced to living out of his car. One morning he had not eaten for two days. He was incredibly hungry, so hungry that he walked into a diner in Houston, Mississippi to order breakfast with no intent of paying for it. He couldn’t! He had no money, but he was so hungry.

As he hungrily ate his breakfast, he wondered how he was going to pay for this meal, or how he was going to get out of paying for this meal. When the check came, he fumbled around in his pockets pretending to have lost his wallet. The owner of the diner had already sized him up and knew he didn’t have the money.

The owner came around the counter, approached the man, and bent down as if to pick up something. The owner said to the man, “Well, looks like you dropped this $20 bill.” Now the man had enough to pay for breakfast and a little more to keep for the road. He never forgot this totally undeserved act of generosity and goodness. He now gives to others as someone once gave to him.

This Advent season we need to reflect on the entire Christ event. Christ came into the world to save us from the power of sin. The Messiah is coming. Repent and be baptized. Then you will surely see God’s salvation.

I might add, kindness is free. The act of giving is infectious. Be inspired to be a giver to those in need. In doing so, have a Merry Christmas!!

Pastor Cory