Wrapping each Christmas present is like a holy ritual: A warm knitted beanie is unfolded before inserting a mug and bookmark carefully, like a special treasure to help survive many cold nights on the deck of a ship, protecting against the elements. A scarf or a pair of knitted gloves (some made of crazy coloured wool) is added to each package. The knitting is like a mountain range, displayed on tables in the Seaman's Centre where they pack the parcels. This is the result of thousands of hours of patient handwork - a process of inserting, wrapping, pulling through, throwing out ... repeating. A packet of Mentos, a razor, a notebook, playing cards or a fridge magnet are also added.  

Eventually the box flaps are closed individually, hoping that somewhere on the remote seas a heart will beat faster, warmer and lighter when the package is opened. Two thousand and forty six parcels are finally ready after a morning's work. It looks like a majestic monument in the corner of the Seaman's Centre. 

From here, our Chaplains will take the parcels to ore carriers, oil ships, gas carriers, container ships and ships transporting cars or other goods. On board the ships the Chaplains will also give the men a Bible in their own languages.  

Each package is like a missionary station. It will travel to places where our feet will never walk. The packages will go north to the icy ridges of Alaska, south to the tip of Agulhas, east to the neon lights of Busan, west to the Santos harbour where the sea always smells of salt and stories. The packages will follow the rivers of the world on trade routes to corners of the earth we can only dream about. 

Then, somewhere on a stormy night or during a quiet guard shift, a man working at sea will raise a mug, pull a beanie over his ears, or let his eyes rest on the words of John 3:16 hidden inside the mug and be reminded of the Child born - for him too. A Saviour that knows the waves, a Redeemer that knows how far away home may feel.

This Christmas your donation leaves its footprints across the Globe. You are leaving traces of the Child of the Manger. This Christmas is not different. We shall share the message of the Christ Child with men working at sea, because that message is always relevant, on time and unbelievably necessary. Thank you so, so much for helping us do exactly that. May you also experience, this Christmas time, the rich and unconditional, abundant Blessing of the Child in the Manger.

A Blessed Christmas!