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Santa? Secularism? Consumerism? Political agenda? 

There is no doubt that Christmas has changed in our culture over the years. Why is that? Is it Santa, marketing, materialism, or sinister plots in school systems or the halls of parliament? 

I heard a compelling podcast recently that said the greatest threat to Christmas is Christians losing the awe and wonder of the first Christmas story and the gravity of its reality. 

Theologian Sinclair Ferguson said, "If your intellect has never been staggered by the reality of the Incarnation, you don’t know what the Incarnation means. It doesn’t just mean Jesus was a little baby. It means the eternal, infinite, divine, one worshiped by cherubim and Seraphim, the Creator of all things, the sustainer of all things, infinite in His being, wisdom, power, majesty, and glory, who, in a word, could dissolve the world that had sinned against him was willing to come into this world and assume our flesh in order to become our Savior. It is overwhelming. That’s the great thing about the gospel."

Christmas presents a wonderful opportunity for us to be reacquainted with the power of the first Christmas and the potential it has to continue to reach people with God's love today. 

I am so proud of the efforts of so many of the groups within our church that are doing outreaches of all kinds this Christmas season right here in the Comox Valley. Here are some of the things groups are doing:

  • Gift basket for lonely neighbour with health challenges
  • Gift for a cleaner that neighbours know has had a hard year
  • Gifts for a military veteran with PTSD
  • Yardwork and neighbourhood Christmas meal for solo Grandmother who is raising her granddaughter with learning disabilities 
  • Hosting a front yard Christmas Nativity event on Candycane Lane 
  • Gifts for a young couple in the community with an 18 month old baby 
  • Hosting a Christmas party for friends where those invited are intentionally mixed between people who follow Jesus and those who don't follow him yet

Well done! All of this happens with the hope that others will experience the love of Jesus and, over time and through ongoing friendship, open their hearts and lives to Him! 

If you are still wondering if there's something you (and your family or friends?) could do in a practical way to connect with people who don't know Jesus yet over Christmas, here are a few more ideas: (credit to Alex Absalom for a bunch of these ideas)

  • Host an evening by the firepit 
  • Host a Christmas quiz, trivia, or games night 
  • Write prophetic Christmas cards for neighbours, co-workers, or others in your local mission field (ask the Holy Spirit for inspiration and words of encouragement)
  • Put on a kids talent show in your neighbourhood
  • Gather some others with dogs and have a pet Christmas party with treats 
  • Cookie decorating or exchange party 

One thing we can all still consider is inviting a friend to one of our three Christmas Eve services, which will be held at 2, 3.30, and 5pm on the 24th. 

Who could you invite to join you? 

This Christmas season I encourage you to read the Christmas accounts in the gospels with fresh eyes. It will only take a few minutes, but as you read them pretend you have never heard or read these stories before. 

May we never lose the wonder! 

And may many others join us in beholding Jesus this Christmas too. 

Pastor Mike 

Ps- if you're planning to come to a Christmas Eve service but aren't yet sure which one you may come to because your day is flexible, can I ask you to consider coming to the 2.00 or 3.30 service? We anticipate the 5pm will be the fullest service and so we want to consider ways we can make room for others. Thanks!