Journeying with Jesus

Journeying withJesusBY PASTOR RON GARNER

COVID StealIng ChrIStmaS?

With a show of imaginary hands, how many of us would rather get a root canal (the old-fashioned kind, minus the anesthesia) than to hear one of the two phrases, “Out of abundance of caution we have cancelled our worship service/festival/program/theater production/event, due to COVID this year” or “Out of abundance of caution we are going to have a virtual worship service/festival/program/ theater production/event this year”? Okay, in all honesty, I rather hear one of those phrases as my dad described an-old fashioned root canal and well, no thank you. But I truly loathe hearing and making these kinds of announcements as we are going two years into the pandemic and, no pun intended, I am sick of it! But I get it. I do. We absolutely need to protect people and be wise. You won’t find a stronger proponent of COVID inoculations than me. At the same time, I am ready, as

I am sure many of you are, to get back to some degree of pre-pandemic normalcy, especially as we enter this season.

I so desperately don’t want COVID “stealing Christmas!”

Unless we get hit with the Delta Zulu Uber Max COVID variant, New Day Community Church is inviting you to our series “The Four Faces of Christmas.” It will be in person and if the COVID numbers are low enough, masks will be optional for the fully vaccinated. Even though we are contemporary, we will sing some of the classic Christmas carols and decorate the sanctuary for the season. We will take a journey back to Bethlehem and look at the Christmas story with fresh eyes. In fact, we will look at it through four sets of eyes, as we consider Jesus’ birth, and the events surrounding it, from all four gospel writers. Each has something to add to the nativity account. Even the gospel of Mark, who doesn’t even seem to offer one word on it.

If you have felt spiritually disconnected, isolated, and long to re-connect to a Christian community in person where you can come as you are, New Day might be a place for you. We invite you to check us out online for the details regarding our services. If you don’t come here, we urge you, if you are not immune-compromised to go somewhere. Don’t let COVID steal our Christmas, preventing us from celebrating the King of Kings this season!

Meaningful and Memorable Celebration for Believers and Non-Believers Alike BY SUSAN B. B. SCHABACKER

With Santa, decorations, wish lists, shopping for gifts, holiday parties, feasting, and festivities, it’s easy to lose yourself in the commercialization of Christmas—and sometimes it can be overwhelming to the point of being depressing. But it’s important to put the focus back on the core of Christmas and put the

Christ back in Christ-mas.

However spiritual you are, Christians and non-Christians all benefit from the peace, joy, forgiveness, and, perhaps most important of all, unconditional love modeled by God’s love for Christ and

His love for each one of us. More than just opening presents, this holiday is a reminder of God’s love for us and the greatest gift of all, that He conquered death and gained for us eternal life, a gift of grace.

Candy Canes, Christmas Trees, And Christmas Carols

This Christ-mas, let’s challenge ourselves to look beyond materialism and delve deeper. Candy canes are not just delicious treats and decorations on Christmas trees, but symbolically represent the spiritual.

The “J” shape represents a shepherd’s staff, the color red represents the blood of Christ shed for our sake, and white represents purity and holiness, intertwined.

“O’ Christ-mas tree, O’ Christ-mas tree” is not a song worshipping an ornate tree decked out to the nines; instead, it’s a celebration of Christ and is known as the “Tree of Life,” reflecting light in a dark world and blessings of wisdom and holiness.

Rooted in tradition and heralding in a joy-filled Christ-mas are the carols and hymns. Christian artists and bands, like Lauren Daigle,

Chris Tomlin, Hillsong United, and MercyMe, have shared traditional Christian Christmas carols with beautiful classic and modern interpretations. Also, many mainstream artists, like

Celine Dion, Michael Bublé,

Sarah McLachlan, Carrie

Underwood, and Mariah Carey, have released classic Christmas carols that celebrate the birth, life, and legacy of Christ that continues on.

‘Tis The Season For Giving & Forgiving

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from

above” ~ James 1:17.

Recognizing and being grateful for our Godgiven gifts is as important as giving to others with a generous heart. Let’s be thankful for Christ’s gift of eternal life and the bountiful blessings (some in disguise) from God, as we give this and every season.

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

~ Hebrews 13:16.

Doing good for others should be a high priority. No matter what your budget is, kindness, and encouragement won’t cost you anything. Be a blessing to others with Christ-like true and genuine compassion. Offer genuine words of appreciation; encourage someone with an inspiring verse; sing someone an uplifting song; or write a letter from the heart to build strong bonds and long-term relationships.

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to

receive’” ~ Acts 20:35 ESV.

The more we are inclined to give, the more we will receive, but let your motivation be noble with the welfare of others in mind. Take joy in giving, even more than in receiving. Bringing a smile to light someone’s face or making them laugh can bring joy to both of you. Sharing a true message of hope with the spirit of Christ in Christmas is one of the greatest gifts you can share without cost. The price has already been paid in full and the angels are rejoicing.

It’s easy for anyone to get caught up in the glitz and glamour—the commercial appeal—of Christ-mas and the holidays. ’Tis the season for generous giving, but it’s not all about the gifts we get. Let this Christ-mas and these holidays serve as a vital reminder to return to our roots and remember why we’re giving. Whether you are a believer or not, bountiful blessings to you and your loved ones for a Merry Christ-mas, one that is most meaningful and memorable!