For Those With Ears - Entries tagged "Christmas"

Surprisingly enough I am finding out that I actually have lots of desires for things both tangible and intangible.  I don’t really expect them for Christmas but I do have some kind of expectation that eventually they will show up. 

Not surprisingly, I find those desires showing up in, of all places, my prayers.  I want . . .   I need . . .   Please bring . . .  Of course, many of these things are good things, not really even selfish or for myself.  Maybe even things like peace, or salvation for someone, or – okay, this is a little selfish – for God to work in that person’s heart so they’ll stop bugging me so much!

What I am finding is that I actually have desires masquerading as prayers.  I need to ask myself:  “Where does this desire come from?”  Sometimes it comes from the wrong place.  Instead of rising out of my identity in Christ as a desire for his will, they rise out of my flesh and a desire to achieve some spiritual standing or posture.  (Okay, sometimes they are just nothing more than rank selfishness.  James 4:3)  Temptation’s hook is so set in my flesh that I am asking God to meet my expectations instead of seeking his will.  Just a while ago I read a tweet quoting a man named Thrasher that said, “God’s will is exactly what you would desire if you knew all the facts.” 

Is God’s will what I desire?  Even without all the facts, God’s will is what I will choose if I understand my identity in Christ.  Desire for relationship with him and opportunities to love and serve him will be my requests.  The cool thing is that God has already met that desire with the first Christmas gift.  Immanuel – God with us.  He really is what I need this Christmas.  Maybe instead of reducing my expectations, I need to raise them.  Its not like he isn’t sufficient!

Roger

One of the great things about the season is that there are all kinds of opportunities to do good things for others.  Peter said of Jesus that, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power.  He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”  (Acts 10:38).  Lots of the good we do is certainly not on this scale, (though we are seeking to redeem some of the elements of the cultural rhythms of this season for God).  We want, however, to “do good” where we can.  With that in mind, here are some opportunities:

Working backwards from “the day” (and by the way, you can plan to spend Christmas Day with your family - no Sunday services on December 25), we are having two identical Christmas Eve services on December 23 and 24.  They are both at 7 p.m. and are definitely something to invite your family, neighbours and friends to participate in!  As noted in the papyrus communication tool that we hand out each Sunday, we will need extra volunteers those nights in Welcome! Ministries if you are available to help.

Another way to “do good” is by participating in “If They Were Mine." We're joining up with CHIPROM in Nigeria and Freedom House in Haiti to provide Christmas gifts for children in these orphanages. Our Harvest young adults are leading the charge so you can stop by to see them at the booth in the lobby with your donation, ($40/basket), to bless these children this Christmas.  All your donations will be used to purchase gifts in country and take care of practical needs for those less fortunate. Rally around this campaign and show the love of Christ!

A cool thing would be to support our Awana clubs with their “Baskets of Joy” silent auction, (also raising money for the Children of Promise orphanage in Nigeria and the Freedom House orphanages in Haiti), on Wednesday December 14 at TCS from 6:30-8 p.m.  Bid for amazing baskets assembled by our kids and families.  Winners will be announced at 8 p.m. and will go home with their basket – which you could also use to bless others!!

There will also be refreshments available in the foyer to enjoy during the bidding wars!  (Please RSVP to Amy at if you’re planning to attend the silent auction).

Maybe you are part of our ministry through small groups helping out some of our own families, along with our HOPE fund.  Some small groups join together in other initiatives also and I know there are lots more opportunities besides.   This season, let’s do good where we can, as God leads each of us.  Let’s also remember the other part of what Peter said, “And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.  To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”  (Acts 10:42-43).   Now that’s a gift!

Glory to God in the Highest
Downhere

On hillsides of moonlight and shooting stars,
Shepherds keep the late watch on a crisp blue night.
Suddenly the darkness, breaks with full day light,
With hosts of heaven’s angels filling the sky.

"Glory to God, in the highest! now here in Bethlehem.
Glory to God in the highest! the Child who will save all men!"

Rushing to the city, sandal slipping cobblestone,
Find they in the great story, for centuries we've now known.
Pouring out with wonder, the shepherds step outside,
and lift worn hands to heaven singing aloud...

"Glory to God, in the highest! now here in Bethlehem.
Glory to God in the highest! the Child who will save all men!"

Now until He returns, remember this time;
When least of men were given the greatest of light,
That God chose not to glory in wealth, power, fame..
but with the simple and the small he came.

"Glory to God, in the highest! now here in Bethlehem.
Glory to God in the highest! the Child who will save all men!"