CHRISTMAS IS…

Christmas is different things to different people.
For some it’s a time to enjoy family and friends, a time to love and be loved; for others it’s the loneliest time of the year.

For some it’s the warmth and security of hearth and home; for others it’s a stark reminder of all they don’t have and maybe never will.

For some people it’s the moneymaking opportunity of the year; for others it’s a seemingly inescapable financial disaster—a sinkhole of overspending that will take them months to climb out of.

For some it’s cause for deep reflection; for others it’s an occasion to party and forget it all.

For some it’s a chance to splurge on gifts for loved ones and to receive in kind; for others it’s a chance to give of themselves to needy strangers, expecting nothing in return.

For some it’s beautiful lights and colorful decorations—a brief once-a-year escape into a world where all is merry and bright; for others it’s hope in the promise that one day all wrongs will be made right and there will truly be “peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” For some it’s a jolly old man in a red suit and long white beard, saying “Ho, ho, ho!” and making children’s wishes come true; for others it’s a baby boy in a manger who will make God’s wish come true.

For us at Activated, Christmas is an opportunity to join millions around the world in celebrating Jesus’ birth and sharing His love with others. We hope that this issue of Activated will help make this Christmas your happiest and most meaningful yet.

May God bless you and make you a blessing this Christmas season and throughout the coming year.

—

1 Peter 4:16 ESV / Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV / Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Acts 11:26 ESV / And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

FREE AT LAST

One by one the prisoners filed into the small meeting hall. Each one wore the same gray outfit and had the same closely trimmed haircut, but their faces showed that each was an individual with his own story of what had brought him to this place.

“I am arranging for the most hardened and dangerous criminals to watch your program,” the warden had told us. “Many of them will never see freedom again. They are the ones who most need to hear what you have to say.”

It was three days before Christmas. After passing through the many gates and checkpoints of this maximum security prison, our children were about to perform and speak to these inmates. One man in particular caught my attention. He was one of the last to enter the hall, and he seemed to be the oldest. His step was halting, his hair turning white. What is an old man like him doing in here? I wondered.

“Mom, did you see that old man in the back?” my son asked. “You should try to talk to him.”

“Yes.” But how? I wondered. We weren’t supposed to mingle with the prisoners. Please, Lord, make a way.
The children did very well in their presentation. It was beautiful to see the sullen faces light up with smiles and the men nod in agreement, reflect on the message of the stories being told, and finally bow their heads in prayer. Many were moved to tears. After final bows, Christmas greetings, and farewells, the long gray line of prisoners started moving again, this time in the other direction.

I quickly made my way to the back to try to find the old man. I knew I would only have a few moments before he stepped into the line. Our eyes met as if he had been waiting for me. “Your children were wonderful,” he said. “They have so much love, so much joy. When your daughter started singing Psalm 23, I couldn’t help but cry. I’m 68 years old, and I was a Christian myself once. I know that Psalm.” His hoarse voice started to sing in the local dialect, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not…”

His eyes grew red and watery, and he couldn’t finish the line. “I have done something very bad. That’s why I am here,” he whispered. I was close to crying myself.

I took his arm and said, “God loves you and His love is everlasting. Jesus has already forgiven you and will love you forever and forever.” It was all I could think to say in the moment I had with him, but this simple truth had a profound effect. A smile came over his tear-streaked face and he straightened himself, as though a heavy burden had been lifted off his shoulders.

“Thank you for reminding me of that.” Then it was his turn to join the line of prisoners filing out of the meeting hall. He waved as he turned the corner, and then he was gone.

As we were driving home, I thought, This man had committed a serious crime that no doubt hurt others, but God still wanted to remind him of His love and forgiveness.

How many people, I wonder, are walking around in the world today just like that man, imprisoned by guilt and remorse over past mistakes and wrong-doing? They feel condemned for things they’ve done, things they said, or the things they should have done but didn’t. Yet all it takes is a simple reminder of God’s unconditional never-ending love, mercy, and forgiveness to bring back hope and light the darkest place of the saddest heart.

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

—

Mark 16:16 ESV / Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

James 2:24 ESV / You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

Acts 2:38 ESV / And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS FOR HARD TIMES

An open letter by Lily Sridhar

Dear One,
I was thinking of you today and wanting to send some encouragement your way, when my thoughts went back to the very first Christmas. The picture that came to mind wasn’t the traditional depiction of the Nativity, though, with Mary looking serene and lovely in a fresh gown, adoring the infant Jesus wrapped in spotless white linen and lying in a manger that looks more like a nice piece of furniture than a feeding trough for farm animals, while a donkey, groomed for the occasion, stands beside tall, strong, unshakable Joseph. No, the picture I saw was probably more true to life.

How difficult it must have been for Mary to make the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem when she was due to give birth any day. The Bible doesn’t actually say that Jesus was born the same night she and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, but a 65-mile trek, whether on foot or the back of a donkey, certainly would have been strenuous enough to bring on labor. Contractions are hard enough to manage in pleasant surroundings. Imagine starting labor on a dusty road with miles to go. What a test that must have been for her. Can’t you hear Joseph telling her over and over, “Just hold on a little longer,” as they journeyed on?

Or perhaps Joseph was near the end of his rope also, weary and plagued with doubt. Couldn’t he have found a better way to travel or made the journey sooner? Perhaps he was tempted to despair when they arrived in Bethlehem and the inn was full. Couldn’t he have found a better place for Mary to give birth than a barn?

Mary and Joseph both probably feared at some point that they would fail in the all-important mission they had been chosen for—the mission of bringing the bearer of God’s love and light into a world lost in darkness.

Think of the joy they must have felt, though, when they held their newborn and gazed into His beautiful, loving eyes! That moment is one that every new parent treasures, as well as one of life’s most rewarding experiences. It must have been even more special for Mary and Joseph, as their little baby shone with God’s love like no other newborn ever had. From all accounts, the few others who saw baby Jesus that night each sensed that—strange as it must have seemed—He would be their guiding light and fulfill God’s promise of salvation.

But the night of Jesus’ birth was also the beginning of a life of trouble, danger, sorrow, and pain for Him and His family. There was the final glorious victory when Jesus rose from the dead, but that victory didn’t come easily.
So much depended on Mary and Joseph, who, apart from their unique calling as Jesus’ earthly parents, were normal flesh-and-blood people like you and me. How tough it must have been for them at times! Seen in that light, my own trials and struggles, as oversized and overpowering as they seem at times, look more manageable.

It’s natural to get discouraged or lose hope when circumstances overwhelm us and we feel nobody cares. I feel that way sometimes, and reflecting on all that you’ve gone through this past year, dear friend, I expect you must too. I want to encourage you, though, to keep going no matter what—to “fight the good fight of faith,” as the Bible puts it—knowing that nothing can separate you from God’s love and you are not alone in life’s battles.

Hold on, dear friend, and someday we will all celebrate the victory together—Mary, Joseph, Jesus, you, me, and a whole lot of others. Why? Because by God’s grace we didn’t give up but kept hoping, persevering, and loving to the end.

—

Luke 2:8 ESV / And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Ezra 10:9 ESV / Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin assembled at Jerusalem within the three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month. And all the people sat in the open square before the house of God, trembling because of this matter and because of the heavy rain.

Matthew 2:11 ESV / And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

NINE SEASONAL SURVIVAL TIPS

There are many fortunate people who enjoy the celebrations, relishing the break from work, savoring the culinary treats, treasuring happy memories or making new ones, and relaxing in the company of family and friends. But it’s not like that for everyone. Christmas can be one of the most difficult times of the year for those suffering from depression. In fact, it’s well documented that the seasonal break is followed by a spike in attempted suicides and enquiries about divorce.
Of course, Christmas itself isn’t the culprit, but the season’s expectations take a toll. Those who live alone or have recently lost a loved one may feel their isolation more acutely. Others may buckle under the financial stress and extra expense. Many well-meaning parents find themselves worn out from gift-buying, baking, and cleaning.
For the sake of all those who struggle, here are nine seasonal survival tips.

1. Schedule your time: Make a plan for December before it speeds up out of control. Schedule days for shopping, decorating, baking, and celebrating—and leave some time for the unexpected.

2. Budget your finances: Decide how much you can afford to spend and stick within your limits. Be creative with gifts.

3. Celebrate within limits: Watch your diet and alcohol intake. You don’t have to accept every invitation or eat all of the chocolates in the box.

4. Press pause: A little argument can spoil an otherwise happy gathering. Take a deep breath. This too will pass.

5. Reach out: If you might be alone at Christmas, look for company by volunteering or inviting a neighbor or organizing a potluck at church or a community center.

6. Allow yourself to “be”: It might not be your “season to be jolly.” That’s okay; there’s a time for everything.

7. Try something new: Avoid some of the stress of previous Christmases by doing things differently this year. For instance, eat out instead of cooking a big dinner; play board games instead of watching television; visit a friend instead of sitting at home alone.

8. Be kind to yourself: Christmas is a timefor giving, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give a little time … to yourself.

9. Look up: If there’s any time of year to be reflecting on the goodness of God sending us His Son, Jesus, it’s now. The wise men found Jesus by following the star. We too can find Him if we still ourselves and look up.

—

Philippians 4:6 ESV / Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

John 14:27 ESV / Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Psalm 55:22 ESV / Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

THE EXTRAORDINARY MONTH

December is a month of extras. There’s usually extra preparation work to do at home, extra visitors, and extra expenses. Most of us get extra time off from studies or jobs. Many churches see extra people in their pews. Charities receive extra donations, even extra volunteers. We may eat and drink extra this month, and put on some extra pounds as a result.

But there is of course one bigger extra—God’s extraordinary gift. We can imagine Him, two thousand years ago, looking down on the people of the earth and thinking: They don’t seem to get it. I’ve given them guidance and instructions, but look at what a mess things have become! Look at the selfishness and misery! I need to do something extra for them … I’ll send them My Son. He’ll show them My love in action; He’ll go all the way for their sake.

And so, in the most ordinary of settings but most extraordinary of circumstances, a very special baby was born. God’s love was made manifest, and the potential for our relationship with Him took a whole new turn.

What an extraordinary Savior: “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” He came to bring us peace with God and among ourselves. “God was pleased … through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
The apostle John tells of when Jesus’ followers met behind closed doors, discouraged and confused following His crucifixion. Miraculously, the risen Jesus appeared in their midst, telling them, “Peace to you!” The same peace is promised to us, if we allow Him into our hearts.

December might be an extra-busy month, but it’s also the month when we mark the birthday of Jesus. Don’t let this time pass us by without some special moments in the presence of the One who makes it extraordinary. “Thank God for his Son—his Gift too wonderful for words.”

—

Luke 2:14 (NIV) “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV) For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

John 20:26 (NIV) A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”

THE BABY WHO CHANGED THE WORLD

He was created of a mother whom He created. He was carried by hands that He formed. He cried in the manger in wordless infancy. He, the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute.
—St. Augustine (354–430)

The Christmas story reminds us once again it was not man’s idea that the Son of God should be born in a stable. And so the first thing we learn from Jesus’ birth is that the Lord will not always be found where we expect to find Him.
—James F. Colaianni (b. 1922)

We look for the glory of the life of Jesus in His manhood’s years. Then He wrought great miracles, revealing His divine power. Then He spoke His wonderful words which have touched the world with their influence of blessing. Then He went about doing good, showing the love of God in all His common life and on His cross. …
Yet in no portion of the life of Jesus Christ is there really greater glory than His birth. Nothing showed more love for the world than His condescending to be born. We should say that the heart of the gospel was the cross, but the first act of redemption was the Incarnation, when the Son of God emptied Himself of His divine attributes and entered human life in all the feebleness and helplessness of infancy. In its revealing of love and grace, the cradle of Jesus is as marvelous as His cross.
—J. R. Miller (1840–1912)

Wander on life’s highway
Wait for a star so bright;
Wake with the angels,
Wonder at the light;
Watch with the shepherds,
Walk through the night;
Whisper by the manger
This Child will make things right.
—Abi May

Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide-open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years.
—George Matthew Adams (1878–1962)

—

Hebrews 1:3 ESV / He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

John 1:14 ESV / And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Isaiah 9:6 ESV / For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

THOSE DIRTY SHEPHERDS

“There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.”—Luke 2:8 NIV
When I was a child, one of my favorite pictures of Jesus depicted Him as the Good Shepherd, carrying a lamb around His shoulders. If you’re like me, you might have expected that those shepherds watching their flocks on the hillside the night He was born would have been respected members of society, considered honest, dependable, believable witnesses, trustworthy and upright. Why else would the angels have entrusted them with such an important message as testifying of the coming of God’s Son?

The facts seem to be a little different: According to some historians, shepherds in first-century Palestine were considered the lowest of the low. The term used for them by the Pharisees is sometimes translated as “sinners”—a derogatory term meaning vile and ritually unclean. Their lives were spent handling animals, often sleeping outdoors surrounded by dung and possible disease. It seems they were not even considered worthy to offer a sacrifice to God.

From man’s limited perspective, God was sending a band of outcasts to be the greeting party for His Son and to spread the good news of salvation to all who would listen. By today’s standards, that might equate to an angelic choir appearing to a group of garbage dump scroungers. Yet God looks at the heart. It doesn’t matter to Him what someone’s occupation is or how they’re dressed.

The Bible says the shepherds ran to see the babe, so they didn’t have time to take a bath or change to a nice set of clothes, which they most likely didn’t have anyway. They ran as they were, straight from the hilltop into the presence of their Savior. We can imagine them excitedly recounting their experience to Mary and Joseph and being welcomed by them with love and acceptance.

Why would God choose the shepherds? Why would He offer this priceless privilege to these who were so unworthy in man’s eyes? Perhaps because He knew they would believe with pure and simple faith. They could be counted on to run to the side of God’s newborn Son with sheer enthusiasm.

Not only were the shepherds honored by God, but they were also given the privileged task of spreading the good news to others. In telling others of the Savior’s birth, the shepherds became the first Christian missionaries.

—

Philippians 2:3-11 ESV / Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. …

Romans 12:3 ESV / For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

James 4:6 ESV / But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

SKY BALLET

It was Christmas morning, and my wife and I were enjoying a break at the end of what had been a hectic December. The view from our hotel balcony—a pristine lake surrounded by snowcapped mountains—was idyllic, but as an avid bird watcher, it’s what was happening above that caught my interest.

Several large flocks of thousands of starlings were wheeling and turning in perfect synchronization. They would break off in small groups and then reunite. They ascended, descended, turned, and whirled as one body. The swarms constantly changed shape, with one edge of the flock meeting another and then breaking off into a new formation to fly in opposite directions. The display lasted for over thirty minutes.

According to some ornithologists, this amazing sky ballet is due to birds seeking out thermals of warm air during the winter. The birds can ride these updrafts for hours. Louise Crandal, a former paragliding world champion, actually glides with her trained steppe eagle to get the best results. She advises other gliders:

“Follow the birds. They’re the masters of the sky, so do what they do. It’s as simple as that! … I realized that birds don’t fly in circles. They turn, but never in neat 360s. Every single lap is different and they constantly adjust and move to where the thermal is stronger or even a couple of hundred meters to the side to find better lift.

Whenever you get the chance to fly with a bird, try to follow it as closely as possible. Soaring birds automatically stay in lift for as long as possible, even with an annoying paragliding pilot on their tails, so there’s always something to learn.”

Back to Christmas Day and our view of the magnificent midair acrobatic show: It seemed almost like the birds were dancing in praise to their Creator, and I thought back on the first angelic choir proclaiming Christ’s birth: “Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’”

Jesus promised: “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” Let us join the angels in praises this Christmas, take wings, and soar heavenwards!

—

Luke 2:13-14 (NIV) Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

John 12:32 (NIV) And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

Psalm 55:6 (NIV) I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.

THE CHRISTMAS SHOES

The Christmas season—undoubtedly my favorite season of the year—holds many unforgettable memories. It was on a snowy December day when I was six years old that our family flew home to the U.S. from the Philippines, where we had been missionaries for the previous several years. This was the first time I met my grandparents and the first time I experienced snow. When I was 15, I spent the Christmas season playing percussion in a band that had come to Mexico from Washington D.C. to hold benefit concerts. I had a blast.

But the two most memorable Christmas seasons for me occurred in 2002 and 2003, and they are linked together by a simple song and its impact on my life.

Christmas 2002 was an especially joyous occasion. My mother had been declared cancer-free several months earlier and was feeling much stronger than she had in quite some time. One day in December, she was baking something for a gathering the next day. I remember the aroma filling our Southern California apartment. The radio was set to a station that played holiday favorites 24-7. The repertoire consisted mostly of lighter carols, such as “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” etc. Then suddenly the tone drastically changed when a song began to play that captured my attention. I put aside what I was doing in order to tune in to it. (I later found out that it was titled “The Christmas Shoes,” performed by Newsong.)

The song tells the story of a man who found himself in line at a fancy department store on Christmas Eve, trying to finish his last-minute holiday shopping. In front of him was a little boy, with an appearance that made it obvious he had no business being in that store at all, holding a pair of shoes. When his turn came to pay, he said he wanted to buy the shoes for his mother who was sick and didn’t have much time left—he wanted her to look beautiful if she were to meet Jesus that night. The boy put all the change he had on the counter, but the cashier shook his head and told him it wasn’t enough. He turned and looked at the man imploringly. The man in line behind him paid the difference and couldn’t forget the look on the boy’s face as he thanked him and left.

As I listened, tears rolled down my cheeks. I realized how fortunate I was to still have my mother by my side. I imagined how sad I would have felt if I were in the place of that little boy who was about to lose his mother. The song stayed with me through the remainder of the Christmas season, eventually fading as the new year was ushered in.

In the course of 2003, Mother’s cancer recurred and she again took a turn for the worse. By Christmas, she was in a nursing home, and the staff had informed us that the only thing they could do was try to keep her comfortable until the end. One day, I was running errands with my brother, listening to the radio as we drove around.
Suddenly, on came the same song, “The Christmas Shoes.” How true to life it rang this time around!

Moved by the song, my brother and I immediately bought Mother a pretty pair of shoes, which fit her beautifully and gave her great joy. She left us (in the physical, at least) only weeks later.

Today, this beautiful song helps me look beyond the hectic side of the Christmas season with all its activities, plans, and preparations for festivities, family get-togethers, and what have you. When the ceaseless activity threatens to drive me nuts and I find myself succumbing to frustration, I hear my mother’s voice whispering to me, Remember the “Christmas Shoes” song.

With this reminder, the stress and frustration dissipates, and I remember to count my many blessings. I think of my family and loved ones who are still alive and well and give thanks for my own life and health too. I say a prayer for the many who find themselves in painful circumstances during the Christmas season—as the little boy in the song did, or as my family and I did in 2003. I ask Jesus to lead me to such people and give me an opportunity to be of comfort to them. He often does.

Gone is the nervousness I feel over the approaching singing engagement I don’t feel sufficiently prepared for, the irritation I feel when important details are overlooked, and all other such cares, as I strive to simply appreciate the fact that I am alive and able to enjoy another Christmas.

—

Luke 6:38 ESV / Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Luke 12:33-34 ESV / Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

2 Corinthians 9:6 ESV / The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

REPAINTING THE ANGEL

The statuette of an angel holding the hand of a little boy had been placed on a neglected back shelf in an antique shop. It was covered with soot and dust, lost amidst the clutter of jars, dishes, and ornaments. A man browsing through the shop discovered the figurine and had an inspiration: He would rescue it from oblivion, restore it, and give it a place of honor among his Christmas decorations.

At home in his basement workshop, the man covered the angel and the child with glistening white paint. Then he painted the wings of the angel and the hair of the little boy with sparkling gold. Each brush stroke worked magic. The old, grime-covered statuette vanished, and a shining, new one appeared. The statuette was transformed before his eyes into a thing of radiant beauty.

As the man painted, he thought, Isn’t this what happens to people at Christmas? They come to the end of the year dust-covered from the struggle. And then Christmas inspires them to repaint their nature with love and joy and peace.

The art of repainting the angel! This is our lifelong task: to never stay down in the dust and the dirt, but, heroically, to rise again after each fall.

Repainting the angel! We need never lose our ideals, dreams, and purposes. We can always make them gleam again with the glory of renewed hope.

This story reminds me how life takes on a special glow at Christmas. It starts with the wonder of a little baby who came carrying a message of love and hope. For those in families, it continues with the happiness and camaraderie of celebrating together with loved ones. For all people, alone or with others, it is completed when we contemplate what Jesus has done for us and thank Him for the blessings He has given.

Christmas is special because we enjoy not only what God has done for the whole world, but also for us personally. He has “repainted” us with new qualities that we couldn’t have given ourselves. He has put His love inside us. He has given us peace, as the angels promised. He has forgiven all our sins and failures, and now He accepts us as His children. He lets us feel the joy that knowing Him brings. We are transformed by Christmas.

—

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 ESV / Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV / Let all that you do be done in love.

John 13:34-35 ESV / A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

2015 Pre-Christmas Celebration

This year pre-Christmas celebration was special and God have provided us so much. Event in time of difficulties, pain, bitterness for some and so many happening around, we thank God for his grace and mercy. We thank Him for all that he provided us, His care, faithfulness, blessing and everything in our lives.

Corp members come together to celebrate the pre-Christmas event held  on 19 Dec evening. Many came and share their moment of joy. There were handicraft session, games, food and even gift exchange. Smiling faces and joy of God surround the event. Everyone have a great evening together in this gathering.



Click here for more photos

HE CAME TO US

Recently, I was reading about the history of Christmas and where our various Christmas traditions come from, including ones that may have originated in pagan rituals or festivals, and it struck me that one of the most fundamental truths about Jesus is how He accepts each of us where we’re at.

Jesus says that He’ll never reject anyone who comes to Him. His circle of friends isn’t an exclusive club with strict requirements. In fact, He does more than just accept us; He often adapts Himself to meet our needs.

It’s interesting to see how Jesus did just that during His ministry on earth. When He was with Nicodemus—an educated high-ranking member of the clergy with a strong background in and grasp of theology—Jesus spoke in ways that piqued his interest and challenged his intellect. When Jesus was with children, He took them in His arms and gently talked with them. When He was in the company of tax collectors and sinners, He went into their homes and ate and drank and laughed with them. A couple of times after teaching large crowds, He knew that their most important concern was their hunger, so He fed them. Whether with a crowd or one on one, Jesus did whatever was necessary to reach each person and show them that He loved them.

This is how Jesus lived His entire life. He took on a human body and got down and messy with us. He dealt with daily life, hunger, and fatigue. He probably felt discouraged at times. But He went through our human experience so that He could feel what we feel and understand the things that are important to us.

He can take the things that you know and love—the things that are important to you, like your Christmas traditions—and give them even greater meaning.

This year, as you enjoy your Christmas celebrations, as you open gifts, sing carols, and eat good food, let those things remind you of Jesus’ deep love for you. Regardless of where these traditions originated, you can let them point you back to the great gift Jesus gave each of us by coming to earth, living, and dying for us.

—

John 6:37 (NIV) All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.

Mark 10:13-16 (NIV) People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Matthew 9:10 (NIV) While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples

Prayer Points

1. Please intercede for Corps Family
Bro Steven Foo, Sis Casey and Allison Foo.

2. Please intercede for upcoming Christmas programme, Caroling, Christmas Day and Christmas Open House

3. Please intercede for one another for good health, spiritual growth, friendship and family.

Announcement

Christmas Day Service
Date: 25 Dec 2015 @ 10:30am
Follow-by-lunch

Christmas Open House
Date: 25 Dec 2015 @ 7:00pm
All are welcome

TIMELESS CAROLS

Something I’ve always loved about Christmas is listening to and singing the beautiful Christmas carols that have been written over the centuries. I like them so much that I often listen to them at other times throughout the year. Many are masterpieces and deeply moving. Recently, when looking online for the words to some of my favorites, I was impressed by the beauty of their poetry as well as the power of their purpose in a way I hadn’t been before.

What struck me was how in the midst of the rhyme and repetition that songs require, they deliver such powerful and nuanced messages. They speak deep truths about Jesus, His incarnation, mission, purpose, and power, along with His love and sacrifice for humanity. They are not only a strong witness to the message of the Savior and salvation, but are also a reminder to those of us who follow Him of the deep truths that we believe.

For hundreds of years, these carols have told the story of the One who left heaven to bring salvation to all people. They remind us, as they have done for centuries, of the importance of this day we celebrate—the birth of Christ—Jesus, God’s Son, who lived among us and laid down His life for us so that we may live forever. Embedded within the beautiful Christmas carols is the truth of what God has done to bring salvation to humanity.

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” was written in 1739 by Charles Wesley. Originally set to solemn music, it was turned into the joyous and beautiful carol it is today by William Cummings, who based the music on a piece by Felix Mendelssohn. The message of reconciliation with God, the peace brought by the Prince of Peace, and the rejoicing that Jesus is King make this a deeply meaningful Christmas carol.

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.”
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

“O Holy Night” is my favorite Christmas carol—and in fact, my all-time favorite song. It is so powerful in both melody and word, and drives home the overall message of hope available to all who believe in Jesus and the effect He has on the lives of those who come to know Him. Here are a few excerpts:

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Til He appear’d and the soul felt its worth. …
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.

This additional verse, which is seldom sung, contains a touching word picture about comfort in difficult times.

The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend.
He knows our need; our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Jesus is always there for us. Through the journey of our lives, through each of our tests and trials, He is there. As the carol says, He’s born to be our Friend. He’s no stranger to our weaknesses and frailties. He knows all about us—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and loves us in spite of how we are. He wants to be part of our lives, to share not just in our difficulties when we cry out to Him in need, but also in our times of joy and happiness, when we celebrate our achievements and those of our family and friends.

At Christmas, we are reminded about Jesus’ birth, and it’s a wonderful time of year to think about Him and all that He has done for us, which goes way beyond the Christmas season. He is an integral part of our lives and wants to be part of all we do—and He can be, as much as we’ll let Him.

As we sing Christmas carols this year, it’s a great time to reflect on what they mean, what Jesus did, and how deeply He loves each one of us and each one of our fellow human beings.—And to carry those thoughts and that love throughout the year ahead. Love Him, love His creations, and be grateful for all He’s done.
Have a wonderful Christmas in Christ.

—

1 John 4:9-12 ESV / In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

1 John 4:16 ESV / So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

1 John 4:7 ESV / Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

SHINY RED APPLES

Christmas 1984 was our family’s third Christmas away from Europe, and the remote village in eastern India where we had moved to help as volunteers had become a second home. After some initial difficulty in adjusting to such a different climate and culture, we soon came to appreciate the wonderful people we lived around and to embrace the new sights, sounds, tastes, and fragrances. I began to especially look forward to shopping at our local market, which seemed to have a year-round selection of fabulous juicy fruits—mangos, bananas, lichees, papayas, jackfruits, limes, and others.

It was on one of those trips to the market that we happened to see a stand that was selling—at an exorbitant price—some beautiful apples. We were told that these had arrived from the far north of the country, which explained the price tag.

Memories from my childhood surged, and of course, Christmas is a time when memories seem to carry special potency. My eldest daughter was accompanying me that day and put my feelings into words: “It would be so nice to have an apple for Christmas.”

That’s how the idea for our family’s Christmas surprise came about. My husband and I spent an evening wrapping small cardboard boxes filled with cookies, nuts … and one big, red apple!

On Christmas morning, the kids opened their boxes and jumped up and down at the sight of those apples! I think we parents had just as much fun watching them and—since we also got a Christmas box—savoring our own precious apple.

We returned to Europe a number of years ago and have since had plenty of apples, but our entire family still cherishes the fond memory of that one “poor” Christmas when we experienced that “rich” feeling of thankfulness for a simple apple.

May we always find a simple, humble reason to be grateful—not just at Christmas, but in every celebration and event all year round.

—

Colossians 3:15 ESV / And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV / Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Colossians 3:17 ESV / And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

MAGICAL SEASON

Q: If God is love and He loves us, as the Bible says, why is there so much suffering in the world?

A: God is not to blame for all the suffering in the world. He’s not some kind of monster that enjoys making people suffer. It’s not God who causes the pain, death, and heartache. The truth is, much of what we suffer is caused by people’s selfishness and destructive attitudes and actions.

Take wars, for example, which have caused untold suffering throughout history. The Bible says, “From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” (James 4:1 KJV). People are to blame for the suffering caused by war, because of their own selfishness, greed, pride, and competitive spirit–the destruction of others for selfish gain.

Q: What about poverty? What about the millions who die of starvation and disease in some of the impoverished nations of the world? Surely they haven’t brought that upon themselves!

A: Believe it or not, man is largely responsible for poverty as well. Global warming is increasing, rainforests are disappearing, deserts are expanding, and seas are dying. These combined ills are having a disastrous effect on food supplies, especially in already impoverished regions, and all are largely the result of the haves relentlessly striving to have more at the expense of the have-nots. For example, indiscriminate logging for fast money in some developing countries is bringing about ecological disasters and population displacement.

In addition, civil conflicts, driven by political greed contribute to famine and poverty in many nations. Can God be blamed for this? Again it’s a case of people bringing suffering on others through selfishness, lack of love, and lack of foresight and concern for future generations.

Q: But the shortage of food is not caused solely by desert expansion, forest depletion, and war. There are often natural forces beyond man’s control that contribute to extreme poverty and starvation. Isn’t God to blame for that?

A: It’s true that some factors are beyond man’s control, but ironically, while millions are undernourished, in other parts of the world there are huge surpluses of food. No one needs to go hungry; God’s earth provides more than enough. But unfortunately, while many rich Western countries spend hundreds of millions of dollars on storing or destroying their surpluses, even paying farmers not to grow certain crops, the poor of the world starve.

Another example of manmade misery and suffering is the pitiful squalor of the poor in the huge cities of some developing countries. God never intended for people to live in crowded, filthy, dehumanizing slums. In most cases those people would have been better off if they had stayed out in the country where the air is clean and there is more food and fewer people–healthful country living as God intended.

In some countries, the poor crowd into the cities to escape civil war, guerrilla activity, or criminal activity in the countryside–more suffering brought on by others’ greed and oppression of their fellow man.

Others, unfortunately, are responsible for their own predicament. They see the material success of the middle class and rich in the cities and think that would make them happy. They are drawn to the cities, but often find their economic state worse than before. Modern cities and the suffering they bring are not God’s fault; they’re a manmade curse.

Also, most of the rich don’t share their wealth or lands as they should, and many don’t pay the poor fair wages for their labor or fair prices for their produce. If they did, there would certainly be enough to go around. The Bible repeatedly advises and even commands the rich to share with the poor (Deuteronomy 15:7-8; Psalm 41:1; Matthew 5:42). God doesn’t want the poor to suffer!

Science has also proven to be a two-edged sword. God has helped man learn more about the world in which we live, which has led to many beneficial discoveries, but much of this knowledge has also been misused, culminating in horrific weapons of war, polluting factories and refineries, cancer-promoting substances, etc. These death-dealing and destructive inventions bring on untold pain and suffering, but they are not God’s fault.

Q: Is man, then, solely responsible for all the pain in the world today?

A: No, a lot of it is the work of Satan, also known as the Devil–the powerful spirit being and archenemy of God, whose relentless goal is to make people suffer. In fact, one of the Devil’s main objectives is to turn man away from God by pinning the blame on God for his own dirty deeds!

Q: If God is loving and all-powerful, why doesn’t He stop the Devil and the people responsible from inflicting all this suffering? If God is not directly responsible, why does He allow it to go on?

A: The Bible speaks of a great war in the spirit realm between the forces of good and evil (Ephesians 6:12). God and His angelic forces do often stop the Devil from wreaking even more havoc and destruction, but in some cases God allows the Devil to perform his destructive work as a judgment on those who have rebelled against God or refused to follow His natural and spiritual laws.

But as far as God stopping people from perpetrating suffering and evil, if He were to do that, He would have to put an end to our free will and majesty of choice, whereby we can choose to do good or evil.

Q: Wouldn’t it have been better, then, if He had created us all to be good?

A: If God had wanted robots, yes, He could have made everybody do only what is right and good. But He purposely limited His own power by creating us with a free will so we could choose to both love Him and do what is right–just as parents want their children to love them of their own free will, not because they’re forced to. We were put here to make a choice between good and evil, between doing things God’s way or our own.

This is the main reason there is so much suffering, misery, pain, ill health, wars, economic troubles, and other woes in the world today–because instead of choosing to love and obey God, many people have decided to rebel against His loving rules, which He made for our health and happiness. Most people want to do things their own way and so must suffer the consequences of their own wrong choices. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12, NIV).

Q: But why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? No one is perfect, of course, but why doesn’t he reward those who genuinely try to do good and make right, loving choices by sparing them from suffering?

A: He does, for the most part. We’re all acutely aware when things go wrong, but we often don’t see or appreciate what could have gone wrong but didn’t because of God’s loving intervention on our behalf.

Nevertheless, good people do sometimes go through difficult times. That’s when it’s important to remember–and this can be difficult to grasp–there are benefits from suffering. Difficult times shape our character and teach us important lessons. Often more is learned from failure than from success. Also, suffering often brings out the best in those who choose not to become embittered or hardened, and engenders love, tenderness, goodness, and concern for others. The Bible says, “We comfort others with the comfort that we ourselves are comforted with [by] God” (2 Corinthians 1:4). Often those who turn to God for comfort and strength in their suffering later want to point others to the One who can also ease their sufferings and help them solve their problems–God and His love, personified in Jesus.

And the best news is that one day soon, God’s Word promises, all suffering will come to an end for those who love God. Jesus is going to return to rescue His own from all suffering and whisk them off to Heaven, where God will wipe away every tear from our eyes and there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain, for all these things will be passed away (Revelation 21:4).