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.

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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.