HUNG UP ON CHRISTMAS!

I admit it.  Even though we're halfway through January, I'm still hankering for Christmas.  During the month prior to Christmas, many--maybe most--people spend time and energy thinking about others...their families and friends but also folk that are less fortunate or who are going through a hard time.  

And that's good--for the most part.  It's bad when we think of giving as an obligation rather than an opportunity. December becomes unpleasantly hectic when we focus on what we "have" to do--get the cards out, reluctantly attend Christmas parties, and buy presents for every significant person in our lives.

How different are our modern-day Christmases!  Traditionally, the month of December was the month of Advent, and it was a time of repentance and preparation, a time of darkness and reflection, rather than a time of lights and celebration.  Advent ended with Christmas, and Christmas commenced the Christmas season, "Christmastide."  Christmastide lasted for 12 days -- haven't you always wondered what was meant by "the twelve days of Christmas"?

So, I don't mind having Advent as an exciting and anticipatory time as we look forward to Christmas.  I just don't want us to lose the "Christmas spirit" too quickly.  Shouldn't we carry this "heart for giving" into January?  Really, when the  Christ of Christmas is in the center of our lives, giving to others takes place all year.     

The Land Of Beginning Again

My New Year message focused on making a new start as we leave behind old mistakes and failures. I used the following quote from Louise Fletcher Tarkington's poem:

I wish there were some wonderful place
Called the Land of Beginning Again,
Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches
And all of our poor selfish grief
Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door,
And never put on again.

The Apostle Paul said: "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13b-14, NIV).

Christmas Thanksgivings

• I'm thankful for a great Christmas Eve Service.  I came close to canceling the service, so I was amazed when 140 people showed up.  And there were several first-time guests.  That alone is cause for giving thanks.
  
• I'm thankful for our Emergency Warming Shelter.  Now into our second full week of operation, we had 18 in the shelter Tuesday night.  Where would they have gone if we had not opened the building?  I'm very thankful for super-volunteers Kelly Nelson and Richard Herrera as well as the rest of you who became the Body of Christ to "the least of these."
• I'm thankful for our Advent Devotional Books and for those who made contributions to it.  Kristen Gehring's devotional on the 24th was just right -- it helped me get my mind and heart into a Christmas perspective.
• I'm thankful that so many of you are faithful in your financial stewardship.  I sorted through five days of mail today, and several of you sent checks even though you haven't been able to get out.  Bless you!  
• I'm thankful to God for the gift of His Son, Jesus.  That's the best gift of all!

Sunday's Bulletin Article

Despite the weather, we had great services and Bible study groups last Sunday (Dec. 14)!  If you weren't there, I can't adequately describe the fun we had "caroling in the halls."  However, you could listen to last Sunday's message by going to our website and clicking on the Current Message Series icon.  Just follow the directions.

Ladies, if you're still looking for a great gift for the man in your life, why don't you purchase a registration for him to attend the Northwest Men's Conference on Jan. 23-24?  This year's conference is in Beaverton, and, for only $30 ($25 for guys 14-24), he will receive incredible teaching and fellowship, a Saturday continental breakfast, and a copy of speaker Stu Weber's book, Maximum Impact.  For more info or to register, go to www.mensconference.org.

Christmas Eve is just around the corner.  Our service will begin at 6:30 p.m.  Lessons and carols and candlelight -- what a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of our Lord!