--- Jesus in Matthew 25:35-36.
My grandmother had neighbors who were elderly and lived in a tiny house. We called them Papa and Granny Cole. Papa Cole always brought me a chocolate covered popsicle whenever I was at my grandmother's house. They were about as old-fashioned as a couple could get. He chewed plug tobacco that he cut with a pocket knife and they kept bees for honey. They had a brown refrigerator from the 50s or 60s. It was also at their house that I got to play my first real instrument--a harmonica., My grandmother took them to many places with my sister and I when she was watching us.
I am not sure whether it was due to age or finances because they were always so generous, but I only realized that they didn't have car just before Christmas one year.
About a week before Christmas, my church rented a bus so we could sing Christmas Carols to the elderly and shut-ins. We probably visited four or five houses each year. Some people were only strong enough to look out of the window. Others were able to come outside.
One year, we went to Granny and Papa Cole's house. Someone knocked on the door. We started off with "Joy to the World". Papa Cole stood in the doorway. Granny Cole stood behind him. Papa Cole took out his handkerchief and wiped the tears from his eyes while we sang "Silent Night." By the time we finished with "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" half the carolers were in also tears.
That night was the first time I realized that Papa and Granny Cole were shut-ins. It meant so much for them to know that the church remembered them at Christmas. Jesus said that whatever we did to the least of these, we did to Him.