Hard, cold rain, followed by absolutely frigid temperatures- by Southern California standards - had the homeless on the ropes by Sunday night. Preparing for Christmas is so much easier sitting in the warmth of our homes and offices than fighting for shelter from the rain and cold. "Away in a manger..." is poetic in song... but at it's core it's a story of poverty, one in billions... but the one God chose. Preparing for Christmas, I'm confident God still chooses to move side by side with "the least of these." He was definitely on the streets last night as our workers moved in love serving a steaming hot meal, gallons of hot chocolate and most importantly smiles, kind words and encouraging conversations. It was one of those nights where so much went right that anything that went wrong barely stood out against the backdrop of joy. Don't know how so many women and men who've been cold, wet and outside, readily welcome and embrace us into their community when we're so obviously warm and well kept. Last night was a warm embrace against the cold heart of darkness that too often defines poverty on skidrow. Wish you could have been with us.

That's me- I've been wearing a different donated winter jacket each week then leaving it with someone when I leave. This one, a pretty wild print jacket for snow boarding- down filled -brand new... drew some attention from the guys in line. They said that it was a little feminine looking for me, especially with my hair so long. This poor woman fell into the scorn when people started saying we looked like twins! She was kind enough to let me have a friend in line use the phone to snap a picture of the two of us- brightly clad and more ready for the slopes than the sidewalk. White's a tough color on the streets. It get's dirty fast and with nowhere to wash a jacket, within a couple of weeks time, if not less, everything's pretty grungy. Jackets that would last us seasons in the snow don't survive weeks on skidrow. I'm guessing this friend has a room on skidrow: her jacket was still nice and clean. Everyone may have made fun of me- I'm normally not too wild in my attire - but everyone knew I was going to leave the jacket and as people went through line they each had their own best story as to why the incredibly warm jacket should walk away around their shoulders. My favorite effort- one I hope I'd think of if I was homeless -is when a guy will quickly trust his only jacket to someone else, in order to come through line in just a t-shirt... "Eric, I really need that jacket... it's freezing!" I'll confront them- they usually laugh, after brief denials,- run for their sweatshirt or jacket, then quickly get back in line. It's a full plate each week and I only wish we had a jacket for every one of the thousands of men and women living in poverty. We're getting closer to meeting the need each week... but 19 years in, Jackets for Jesus has never been able to keep pace with our ever growing line.

Standing alone, finishing his dinner, I approached him and asked if he would like the jacket. Looking like he'd won the lottery, as I slipped the warm down off my back and helped him get into it, a smile of joy jumped onto his face. Wanting to capture the moment, I asked if I could snap a shot with my phone- he took off his glasses, eyes watering, lifted his chin in pride and gave the ok. The jacket looks a lot better on him than it did on me. Then a beautiful thing happened, setting his hand on my shoulder, he said: "Eric, do you mind if I give this jacket away?" Seeing my confusion, he continued saying, "I've got a son who's 25. Everyday I've wondered what I could get him for Christmas. He's got a good life: married, living right... I think this jacket would fit him... I think it'd be something he'd like. Would that be ok with you?" Thinking of my kids... of me if I were in his place... hoping I'd want to make as selfless a gift in love, I hugged him and said that I thought it would be a perfect Christmas present. His son will never know the price his father will pay this winter to go without this jacket. Don't think there's a gift I can get one of my kids to rival it in loving value. Suddenly, both of us a little embarrassed by the moment, we hugged again and I headed down the street to our team in waiting. Approaching the crew I thought about the journey that beautiful jacket's made to become a father's sacrificial gift to his son. Telling the story in our circle of prayer, we all agreed it'd been a really good night together. We got home late but the ride didn't seem long... some nights are just too good to end. One year ago today we were held at gunpoint, caught up in a Sunday night robbery in an empty McDonald's. We'd talked with the workers at McDonald's and relived the moment. Last night we were spared. Both nights, God was watching us, from not too great a distance. It's already shaping up to be an incredible Christmas. I hope you're planning on sharing it with us. One of the best gifts I'll get was from a dad who walked away wearing a jacket for his son. God is too good.

Christmas stories of redemption fill the TV screen this time of year. From It's a Wonderful Life to Family Man, old and new alike, our hearts are stirred. Real stories of redemption are taking place on the streets every Sunday night. I hope you're planning on joining us for our Christmas Party on the Streets, Sunday night, December 23rd. If you still need backpacks- better email or call me quickly - they're going fast. This year we're filling 700 packs and we already have well over 500 out. If you need instructions or directions- contact me. We'll also be posting suggested shopping starters for the packs as well as directions for Sunday night the 23rd on Central Community's Web Site after Tuesday, December 4th. Great things are happening and I want you to have the opportunity to share in your greatest Christmas ever. Every Sunday night's amazing and you're always invited, you're always needed. We're going this Sunday night. We'll do our best to make room in the van.

for changing lives,

Eric M. Denton

email: eric@centralcommunity.com

phone: 1-714-907-4263

web: http://www.centralcommunity.com