Richard Belding
It seems that every year as we get into the month of December there
Is much said about the commercialization of Christmas and the need to go
back to the true meaning of Christmas. But the question is, "What is
the true meaning of Christmas"?
Even though there is an attempt to take Christ out of Christmas by the
secularized community, they, for the most part, have interpreted this time
of year with generosity, benevolence, and feeling good towards one another.
This is celebrated by getting together with family and friends, exchanging
gifts, and even donating to charitable organizations. The act of doing these
things is certainly not wrong, because the Christmas season has a way of
bringing out this capacity of caring in both Christians and non-Christians
alike.
But the true meaning of Christmas is not about man loving man, but about
God loving man. Christmas is about God stepping down from heaven making
"Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in
human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself
and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" (Php. 2:7-8) The
true meaning of Christmas is about God giving to man the most amazing and
spectacular gift ever known, as God Himself died for all their sins then
arose from the dead to take up residence within the lives of those who
believe. And with this wonderful gift came the power and capacity for man to
truly love his fellow man with the divine love of God, not just Christmas
time, but every day of the year.
Christmas is a time when we find it so easy to get caught up in all the
festivities that take place, and this is good. But in order to fully enjoy
these festivities and what Christmas is all about, we need to first get
caught up in the One who made it all possible.
Sue Neilson
One year has passed since I became your women's ministry leader. It is
time to look back at what we have accomplished and to look forward to what
we'd like to see happen in 2006.
In March we were called to prepare and serve brunch after our worship
at the Tower Theatre. It was a tight squeeze, but we fed at least 200
people fruit, breakfast casserole and breads. No one left hungry, though
choices were limited for the last people who were served.
Two Saturday events were held which we called Saturday Specials. One,
held May, replaced our Mother's Day Tea and the other called "3
Months 'til Christmas" was held in September. Before lunch each time
different ladies from the church addressed pertinent topics to building
our houses wisely and getting a handle on good financial habits,
particularly regarding Christmas spending. After lunch, workshops in
keeping with the theme demonstrated ways we can pamper ourselves as women
and make useful gifts or decorations for Christmas.
In August we gave away a lot of clothing to people in the neighborhood.
The leftovers were donated to the Discovery Christian Thrift Store.
Two Bunko groups met regularly. This is a good place to have a lot of
fun while you make friends.
Nicole Johansen and JenniferTumilson led Secret Sisters.
Michal Yourdan has done a fine job coordinating delivery of meals to
families who are in crisis.
We have grown so large our baby and wedding showers needs a new format.
We have been asked to assign these events to our small groups. Judy
Peterman has agreed to be a resource person for the groups in coordinating
these events.
Jenny Jacobs, Deanna Belding, and Joanne Beatty are leading our last
event for 2005. They are calling our Christmas Cookie Exchange a Snowflake
Tea. It will be held at the church building on December 6. They have
promised an evening of entertainment and tasty food. I hope you will join
us for this special event.
Your comments regarding our ministry year are invited. I need to know
how you feel about what we did this year. What do we need to repeat? How
would you tweak it to make it more effective? What do you believe has
outlived its effectiveness? What would you like to see us try in 2006?
Your input will help us plan a ministry year that will be a blessing to
the women at Real Life Christian Church.
I have been richly blessed by all of you this year. I am looking
forward to another year of opportunities to serve our Lord with you in
2006!
