When preparing yourself for the Christmas season there are several things you should consider.  First of all, what are you celebrating?  This is most important and most overlooked reason we should be celebrating Christmas anyway, not for the glamour, songs, gifts, and food.  Christmas is a word centered around the root word “Christ” and therefore should be revolve around Him.  Does this mean that the Joy should be taken away from Christmas when we don’t focus on gifts and Santa Clause, NO, it just means there should be a better joy in understanding what Jesus Christ means to Christians and this season.  Another thing we should consider is giving more than receiving.  Now I understand we all love to receive gifts, but when you look at the expression on someone else’s face when they get a gift they didn’t expect, it’s priceless.  The final thought we should consider to help us get into the spirit of Christmas is to remember those who don’t know Jesus Christ.  Our prayers need to go out to those who oppose the season and those who try and fight for what we believe in.  Don’t let someone or some business dampen your spirit by telling you “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings” instead of MERRY CHRISTMAS.  Just remember that it is still Christmas and we need to pray for those who choose not to believe in the Son of God or those who oppose Him.  Just know that this is the birthday of Jesus and we need to wish Him a Happy Birthday. May each of you have a wonderful Christmas year and always remember that Jesus Christ is the reason for the season.
 

Bro. Trent and Ms. Rebecca

I remember as a child I would have a Christmas list a mile long.  I started writing it April 3rd  each year as that was the day after my birthday.  As I’ve grown older thru the years, Christmas has taken on such a different meaning.  Don’t get me wrong, I still have a Christmas list, but it has changed over the years.  I spoke to our students last week about generosity and the words of God instructing us to give freely and cheerfully to others. 

I think about the sacrifice Rebecca and I are making this year to give her parent’s a wonderful Christmas, as their year has been a tough one.  I think about the look that will be on their face as they see this gift and it just makes me excited. I think about the ultimate gift God gave us that 1st Christmas morning.  He willingly sent His Son to take human form, walk and teach among the common people; the same people he molded into His own image, the same people whom He gave the breath of life to, the same people who would ultimately betray and kill Him.  God knew the outcome for His Son was not one of joy but one of pain and suffering, yet He gave…Freely!  Jesus who came FREELY to give His life to save us from our sinful life. 
God doesn’t ask us to give our life to others as a sacrifice, but He does ask us to give freely and cheerfully.  So as you start this Christmas Season remember it is better to give than to receive.  Give…of your time, your service, your talents, your work trade, your money to those who don’t have as much. 
 
 
This Wednesday night we are watching the movie Christmas with a Capital C beginning at
6:30 pm in the Amphitheatre. 

Bro. Trent and Ms. Rebecca