Christmas Eve in the Park

I'm just getting in from spending the last few hours out by the park and offering people hot chocolate/coffee/tea and cake as a celebration of Jesus' birthday. I guess the main reflection that I have is simply that there is goodness in people. I think we villify certain segments of society, but tonight I saw how we take those characterizations too far. Thuggish drug dealers wished us "Merry Christmas" tonight, a couple people spoke to us before we spoke to them. A woman hugged my friend Daun when he offered her hot chocolate. The thing you have to understand about this crowd is that they are by nature not very friendly. There is no reason to trust anyone in that park at 2am. Everyone is using everyone in some way or another. For someone to straight up hug you is a tremendous break from the norm. We explained to people that we were celebrating Jesus' birthday and then offered them hot drinks and cake. With very few exceptions every one said Merry Christmas back to us or even thank you. It means a lot to me when the tables have been turned for an evening and random strangers are shouting words of kindess to me in that park. The lesson to me is simply that there is goodness in all of us. We are created in God's image and we have a visceral connection to that source of love and hope. Tonight I saw how an act of giving can change the rules for a moment and bring some of God's DNA to the surface of even the most hardened people. I believe in the goodness of people. I also believe in the effects of sin. Tonight I just felt like sin was getting kicked in the ass for a few minutes and I saw a glimpse of how God intended for us to relate. I feel like I can't communicate what I'm thinking here. But the kingdom of god is real and wonderful. I can't wait to know it in all its fullness.