What do your faith’s holy books say about helping the homeless?

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. –James 2 v 15-17

Christmas is a time to celebrate the greatest gift of all; the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is also a time to spread tidings of comfort and joy. This time of the year is also known for its festive and cheerful giving. During this time it is important to not forget about the less fortunate.

How Can You Help?

Helping those in need goes beyond just giving them money or the items they need to live a little more comfortably. It is more than assuaging your guilt for having the finer things in life. As believers in Christ, we are to give with a cheerful spirit and we are to also minister to those in need.

Different Forms Of Ministry

Ministering could be in the form of encouragement, inviting them to a home-cooked meal, helping them find gainful employment, becoming a true friend, being an empathetic listener, or simply praying for them.

We must give from our hearts because when we do we are giving through God’s Love. That love is contagious and can truly assist in Christmas miracles.

What The Bible Says About The Less Fortunate

God is our Heavenly Father who loves all of His children. As His children, we are called to look after our siblings, especially the homeless, Widows, and Orphans not just during this season but every day of the year.

Dear God

Continue to bless us so that we can be blessings to those who are less fortunate. Please continue to pour out Your unconditional love upon us so that we can continue to give from a place of Joy. -Amen

The Corn Chowder Recipe is always a hearty treat to share with friends. Enjoy!

This soap is even tastier when it is shared…

Corn Chowder Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 Cup Butter (1 stick)
6 Tablespoons finely diced celery
6 Tablespoons finely diced carrots
1/2 cup finely diced onion
1/4 cup canned diced green chiles
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups Milk
2 cups homemade vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 teaspoon clam base or juice
1 (16 oz.) Package of frozen or 2 cups of fresh corn
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Directions

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
Add celery, carrots, onion, and green chiles. Sautee until the vegetables are tender.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine
Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Whisk in the milk and vegetable broth.
Add the bay leaf, calm base/juice, and corn.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Simmer until the soup thickens.
Remove the bay leaf and serve hot.

Chef’s Tip: Make your own vegetable broth by simmering the vegetable peelings and scraps for about 5 minutes, then steeping for 1 hour before straining and boiling stock to reduce down to half.