The crinkling of wrapping paper, snapping of tape, and clipping of scissors were the sounds that filled the air. Once wrapped, the gifts and toys provided by the Ecorse (Michigan) Church and other volunteers were arranged under a Christmas tree laden with ornaments and sparkling lights. This was the final task before welcoming neighborhood children and their parents to the special Christmas program hosted at the Detroit Better Living Center on Christmas Eve afternoon in 2006. One by one, more than 60 children and their parents filed in and sat in the double line of chairs set in a half-circle.

Go-Tell Productions, a puppet troupe based in Ypsilanti, Michigan, brought cheer and laughter as they gave a light-hearted presentation about the symbols of Christmas. By the end of the production, they had reminded those present of the real meaning of Christmas—that Jesus came as a babe to this earth long ago to save us from our sins.

Go-Tell's director, Roberta Perry, challenged attendees' memory of Christmas songs with a table game that enlisted their spelling skills. Several rounds of musical chairs with Christmas carols gave everyone a chance to participate. Older children and even smaller ones carried by their parents were part of the festivities. There were prizes for the winners, and every child received a gift. There were also enough toys and gifts for grandparents to take home for their grandchildren and for children to take for their siblings at home.

Snacks, including pretzels, apples, juice, and treats, were enjoyed by all after the activities. For that moment in the holiday season, all were happy and grateful. One woman stayed to help clean up and stack chairs. She said "I really appreciate what you guys are doing. I can always count on getting some help here if I need it, so I want to help when I can." Another woman remarked, "This is so wonderful! The kids really enjoyed it, and I'm glad my four children can get a gift. I didn't know what I was going to do for Christmas!" Still another said she had spent all her check to get groceries, and now her kids would have at least one Christmas gift.

Hope for the Greatest Gift was given as 16 attendees signed up for Bible studies. One of the two adults who signed up said she wanted her children who were not there to take Bible studies, too.

Volunteers from the Ypsilanti, Ecorse, Conant, and Highland Park Adventist churches stayed by a long time to share their observations of children with broad smiles, bright eyes, and happiness spilling over as they took their gift—at least one they would be able to open on Christmas day. Is it more blessed to give than receive? It was on that Christmas Eve.

Ray Young is the Lake Region Conference communication director and Detroit Better Living Center director.