Hey Gang,
Well, it's hard to believe it, but Christmas is almost here! Are you ready? What does that really mean to you when you're asked, are you ready for Christmas? You know Christmas is a pretty big deal when you think about it. It's the largest celebration around the world each year. Other holidays get a single day, but Christmas is emphasized for an entire month, one twelfth of every year. During the Christmas season, billions of people set aside their normal routines to decorate their homes, send out greeting cards, buy gifts, go to Christmas parties, attend church services, sing Christmas songs, watch Christmas TV specials, and travel long distances to be with their families. Christmas sights and sounds fill the air everywhere. There are stores, and even careers, that are exclusively dedicated to preparing for and celebrating this holiday. When Christmas comes, you can't miss it. It's everywhere.
Have you ever wondered what the real purpose to Christmas might be? In Ecclesiastes 3:1 it says, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Could there be more to this holiday than I have ever really considered? I know it's Jesus' birthday, but do I really even celebrate that? Isn't it ironic that at most Christmas parties the person whose birthday we're suppose to be celebrating is completely ignored. He's never even mentioned. Although Jesus is the reason for the season, He's often overlooked in all the busyness of the holiday.
Our series is entitled, "Change the World" and the lesson this week challenges us to read a familiar story, the Christmas story, and find the three gifts that God gave us when He came into our world. The night Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, a small group of poor shepherds were quietly tending their flocks of sheep in a nearby field. Looking up at the stars, nothing seemed any different from a thousand other nights. But what was about to happen would transform not only the shepherd's lives but billions of other lives as well. The world changed and would never be the same.
We are going to watch the ending to "Homeless for the Holidays" and see how Jack Baker's world also change one Christmas. Jack is a high-powered, fast track executive who is unexpectedly fired to cover up a mistake in his company. As Jack's family finances worsen, they end up sitting around their fireplace singing Christmas carols and talking. The children are excited about the family togetherness even though there are no presents for Christmas. They give their last amount of cash, $40 - to a homeless man. They end up losing their home, but they learn a valuable lesson about Christmas and it's purpose. Watch the trailer below for a sneak peek!
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What is the purpose of Christmas? We will read Luke 2:8-16 on Sunday and uncover God's three gifts for you and me this Christmas. Regardless of your background, religion, problems, or circumstances, Christmas really is the best news you're going to hear this season. Beneath all the visible sights and sounds of Christmas are some simple yet profound truths that can transform your life for the better here on earth and for eternity. Right now there's nothing more important for you to understand than the implications of Christmas for your life.
Have a blessed rest of the week as we prepare this Sunday to Focus on Jesus this Christmas.
In His Love,
David & Susan
