By David Mayinja

Editor’s Note: As many of us have put our Christmas decorations away, thoughts of Christmas can begin to seem like distant memories.  But before the boxes get stored for good, let’s take a look at Christmas in rural Africa.

My daughters believe that the Christmas season is their best time of the year. When I asked them why, they readily gave their reasons: they look forward to the Christmas Concert and Christmas Eve Service, singing Christmas Carols, decorating the Christmas tree, enjoying Christmas music played around the house, reading the Christmas story in the Bible, spending time with visiting relatives, the sumptuous meals, baking cookies and of course the gift giving.  They enjoy the traditions we have as a family and as a church.  These traditions make the season special for them.

The other day they overheard me mention that Covenant Mercies was sending funds from sponsors to our program locations in Africa so the children can have Christmas parties. They were intrigued and wanted to know how Christmas is celebrated by families in Africa.  As I explained, their eyes were filled with amazement…and, perhaps, yours will be, too.

• The Christmas holiday in Africa is not commercialized as it is in America. The holiday is more centered on the religious aspect of celebrating the birth of Jesus and singing Christmas carols and hymns than on giving gifts. On Christmas Day, most churches are full of worshippers and many churches hold additional services to accommodate the larger attendance. If anything is bought at Christmas for the children, it is a new set of clothes to be worn to the church.

• Just like in other cultures, celebrating Christmas dinner with family and friends follows the worship of our Savior. This day, most families will provide a full meal!  They save up for goat meat or beef, which are considered luxuries in Africa.  Much of the day is filled with food preparation over an outdoor open flame (just like camping for us).  And in families that are able to afford it, sodas will accompany the meal. Sodas (that we enjoy often without much thought) are a wonderful treat for the children.

• After the meal is done, the children entertain the adults with lively plays and songs.   So many are gifted in music, dance, and creativity.  The dramas and music are great and bring a lot of joy and laughter to everybody!

Covenant Mercies works hard to ensure that Christmas Day is meaningful for sponsored children in each program location. Sponsors are able to participate in making this celebration possible by contributing $15 per child. These funds are all sent to our field offices, where the staff organizes the Christmas parties and purchases new clothes for each child. This day is one that the children look forward to with great anticipation.

During the gathering, the children enjoy food, games, singing, drama, and also receive their Christmas gifts with much joy.  However, before they are dismissed, they are reminded about the purpose for Christmas. As one of our African pastors put it, “We tell them this celebration is to remind us that Jesus Christ so loved us that he came to die on the cross for our sins. And now by his grace we see this love demonstrated through our brothers and sisters in the USA.”

What a privilege that we get to participate in bringing Christmas joy to fatherless children in Africa.  And what a blessing to have so many of you joining us in that endeavor.

By Rob Flood 

Strewn boxes…slivers of wrapping paper…tape stuck to the carpet…Christmas tree needles stuck to the floor with Christmas tree sap.  Not to mention piles of opened gifts awaiting that dreaded task of being put away.  Ahhh, the week after Christmas. 

The week after Christmas leaves clutter in our homes, but can often leave clutter in our hearts as well.  So many of us, especially our children, have spent the weeks prior to Christmas hoping for specific earthly things.  And now that we have some of them, they occupy so much of our time and our thoughts.  

And then we’re reminded of Colossians 3:1-4: 

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 

In a season where all of the forces of the earthly and spiritual realms seem to work in concert assaulting our focus on Christ, how can we as families begin to realize the truth of Colossians 3:1-4? 

First of all, understand that enjoying our presents after Christmas is okay.  Some of what we received was very needed…or very cool.  And it was given with the intention of blessing you and bringing you joy.  Enjoying is fine. 

But if your house is anything like mine, the week after Christmas can sometimes feel like way too much of a good thing.  Before Thanksgiving, your children were perfectly happy with the toys in your home.  Then, during the shopping season, their “wanters” get turned on and their happiness rests in some yet-to-be-acquired thing.  Now, after Christmas, their now-acquired-thing is a source of elation…but there’s no where to put it since they still have their last-year-acquired thing in their playroom or bedroom.  Like I said…too much of a good thing. 

Here’s just a few ideas on how to allow your family the freedom to truly enjoy their newly-acquired things while helping their minds and hearts not focus too intently on earthly things. 

1. Everything needs a place:  If drawers were full before the Christmas clothes arrived…if toy boxes overflowed in November…then you are experiencing a simple space problem this week.  Toys and clothes all need to be put away, so if there’s no room, something has to go.  Use this “space problem” to help your family part with some rarely-used toys or clothes.  Places like Goodwill or the Salvation Army would be more than happy to receive what we are often more than happy to discard.
2. Store and Restore system:  Another thought, which can stretch out the fun all year long, is implementing the Store and Restore system.  Take a couple trash bags or plastic bins and fill them with toys or clothes currently in your toy boxes or drawers.  This will create room for all of the family’s newly-acquire things.  Then, sometime around May or June, pull them out and take a different set of things away.  The time that your family has spent apart from these toys can restore a bit of “newness” to the old toys.  It solves the space problem but keeps the usefulness of the toys.
3. The Toy Dump:  Prior to putting the newly-acquired things away, go through the older stuff.  I’m talking about toys, puzzles, board games, etc.  Anything that does not have all the pieces, cards, parts, etc. gets removed.  You may be surprised (or frightened) to see how much space gets created following this exercise.  As a perk, it also provides a great opportunity to clean a bedroom or a playroom.

Of course, these are just some practical suggestions on how to handle the earthly treasure of our holiday conquests.  Gentle but faithful discipleship is necessary in all cases.  Just like our children, our own hearts are prone to love the “seen” world as opposed to the “unseen world.”  And we, like our children, need practical and spiritual helps.

By Andy Farmer

For many of us the holidays are one of the best opportunities we have to reach out to unsaved family members.  But this isn’t always the experience we would hope for.  About a year ago Mark Altrogge offered some great advice on how we can prepare for the always interesting but often challenging holiday family get-togethers.  This is from www.theblazingcenter.com.

What to Do with Your Unsaved Relatives this Christmas

Many of us have unsaved relatives that we see infrequently, or only once a year at Christmas.  What if they’re not open to the gospel?  Maybe they’re downright opposed to Christ.  What if God has yet to open a door to share the good news with them?  What’s a believer to do?  Here are some suggestions.

1. Pray

Before they come, pray that the Lord would open doors for the gospel and give you an opportunity to share it with them.  Ask the Lord for a sincere love for them, the grace serve them and that they would see Christ in you.

2. Serve

I can easily sink into a selfish malaise at family gatherings, especially after meals.  I find myself lying on the couch drifting into oblivion or staring comatose-like at the television.  By God’s grace, what I try to do is to look for opportunities to serve.  It may be something as simple as clearing the table or doing dishes.  Unbelievers are watching us.  Let our goal be to show them Christ, who did not come to be served but to serve and give his life for others.

3. Serve their Children

Before family get-togethers I have often told my kids that our goal for the evening is to try to make sure our relatives have the best time they possibly can, especially their children.  Serve your relatives’ children, and encourage your children to serve their children.  For many years after our Thanksgiving meal with relatives, I would do a Christmas craft with all the kids.  We’d make Christmas ornaments with Play Dough or 3-d Christmas trees out of construction paper, glitter and beads.

Remember, Jesus welcomed children, blessed them, and said that when we receive a child in his name we receive him.

4. Take an Interest in Them

Seek to take a sincere interest in your relatives.  Ask them about their jobs, hobbies and interests.  Ask them what kind of Christmas traditions they had as kids.  Ask them about their favorite childhood Christmas presents or memories.  Ask them about their health if you are aware of any problems.  You could offer to pray for them if it seems appropriate.

Look to the interests of others as Christ looked to our interests.

Let your light shine

The whole goal is to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Mt. 5:16).  Perhaps God will give you the opportunity to share the gospel with them.  If not this Christmas, maybe next.  Keep praying for their salvation.  Who knows, God may do something in the future that will make them open to the good news of Jesus Christ.

By Andy Farmer

As we look ahead to the Christmas here is a nice blog for your holiday thoughts on the whole Santa thing, written by Noel Piper at Desiring God.  You can access the blog directly at Thinking About Santa

Thinking About Santa

Over the years, we have chosen not to include Santa Claus in our Christmas stories and decorations.  There are several reasons.

First, fairy tales are fun and we enjoy them, but we don’t ask our children to believe them.

Second, we want our children to understand God as fully as they’re able at whatever age they are.  So we try to avoid anything that would delay or distort that understanding.  It seems to us that celebrating with a mixture of Santa and manger will postpone a child’s clear understanding of what the real truth of God is.  It’s very difficult for a young child to pick through a marble cake of part-truth and part-imagination to find the crumbs of reality.

Third, we think about how confusing it must be to a straight-thinking, uncritically-minded preschooler because Santa is so

much like what we’re trying all year to teach our children about God.  Look, for example, at the “attributes” of Santa.

He’s omniscient—he sees everything you do.
He rewards you if you’re good.
He’s omnipresent—at least, he can be everywhere in one night.
He gives you good gifts.
He’s the most famous “old man in the sky” figure.

But at the deeper level that young children haven’t reached yet in their
understanding, he is not like God at all.

For example, does Santa really care if we’re bad or good?  Think of the most awful kid you can remember.  Did he or she ever not get gifts from Santa?

What about Santa’s spying and then rewarding you if you’re good enough?  That’s not the way God operates.  He gave us his gift—his Son—even though we weren’t good at all.  “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).  He gave his gift to us to make us good, not because we had proved ourselves good enough.

Helping our children understand God as much as they’re able at whatever age they are is our primary goal.  But we’ve also seen some other encouraging effects of not including Santa in our celebration.

First, I think children are glad to realize that their parents, who live with them all year and know all the worst things about them, still show their love at Christmas.  Isn’t that more significant than a funny, old, make-believe man who drops in just once a year?

Second, I think most children know their family’s usual giving patterns for birthday and special events.  They tend to have an instinct about their family’s typical spending levels and abilities.  Knowing that their Christmas gifts come from the people they love, rather than from a bottomless sack, can help diminish the “I-want-this, give-me-that” syndrome.

And finally, when children know that God’s generosity is reflected by God’s people, it tends to encourage a sense of responsibility about helping make Christmas good for others.

Karsten, for example, worked hard on one gift in 1975.  On that Christmas morning, his daddy stepped around a large, loose-flapped cardboard box to get to his chair at the breakfast table.  “Where’s Karsten?” he asked, expecting to see our excited three-year-old raring to leap into the day.  Sitting down, I said, “He’ll be here in a minute.”

I nudged the box with my toe.  From inside the carton, Karsten threw back the flaps and sprang to his full three-foot stature.  “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them . . .” He had memorized Luke 2:8-20 as a gift for his dad.  Karsten knew the real story.

In fact, a few days later, he and I were walking down the hall at the church we attended then.  One of the older ladies leaned down to squeeze his pink, round cheek and asked, “What did Santa bring you?”  Karsten’s head jerked quickly toward me, and he whispered loudly, “Doesn’t she know?”

(Adapted from Treasuring God in Our Traditions)

By Andy Farmer 

I’m subbing for Jared today.  In thinking about this Christmas season, and specifically about the preaching series, ‘God With Us’, I’ve been thinking about Jesus in the cradle.  I have a hard time grasping the idea that a little helpless baby could be simultaneously the Sustainer of the Universe, though I know that’s true. 

But I’ve also been thinking about the baby Jesus in terms of what he came to do as Savior.  Specifically what he came to do as Savior for me – today.  For me to escape all the cultural trappings of the Christmas season (most of which I actually enjoy), and live with the essence of the message of Christmas, I have to bring myself right up to the manger and ask that little baby – ‘what does this mean for me today.  One thing that speaks to me in this meditation is a quote from Paul Tripp’s book Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hand. 

“The good news of the kingdom is not freedom from hardship, suffering, and loss.  It is the news of a Redeemer who has come to rescue me from myself.  His rescue produces change that fundamentally alters my response to these inescapable realities.  The Redeemer turns rebels into disciples, fools into humble listeners.  He makes cripples walk again.  In him we can face life and respond with faith, love, and hope.  And as he changes us, he allows us to be a part of what he is doing in the lives of others.  As you respond to the Redeemer’s work in your life, you can learn to be an instrument in his hands.”  (p. 16)

The work of my redemption, which was effected in the cross, and which is working itself out every day, began with a baby in a manger.  And as I reach beyond myself to serve God’s purpose in others, that redemption work is being done through me, at the same time it is being done in me.  I’m in an instrument in the little Baby’s hands.

By Stefan Bomberger

For years now, our church has been doing a free gift-wrap outreach in local stores. We’ve gone to Toys’R’Us, Circuit City, and this year we’re in Christopher & Banks next to the Borders. It’s a small way to share the love of Christ with our community. Because of this, we don’t accept donations. It’s fun to see the looks you get when you offer to wrap people’s gifts. Many are perplexed, surprised, even suspicious. We’re often asked, “Why are you doing it for free?!” In that moment, what would you say?

I know in the past I’ve gotten locked up in bringing the gospel into contexts like these. I’ve feared that it would undermine the “freeness” of the outreach. If I bring up Jesus, the unbeliever might think: “Ah-ha! I caught you. There is a string attached!” But what I’ve come to realize is that the gospel truly is the reason I’m doing this. So bringing it up isn’t a bait-and-switch. It’s being authentic. It’s disclosing the real motivation behind my actions – which is what they asked for.

The same could be said of all our good deeds as believers. We love because God first loved us. We have mercy on others because God has had mercy on us. We forgive because we’ve been forgiven. We serve because Jesus served us. We freely give because we’ve freely received. This is who we are. Conduits of God’s grace. Vessels of mercy with the treasure of the gospel inside of us. We shouldn’t pretend that we have no motives or that our actions simply flow out of our own intrinsic goodness. No. We do it because of Jesus Christ.

Keep this in mind the next time you are doing something kind for a neighbor. …going out of your way for a co-worker.  …serving at a Second Saturday in a free carwash. …visiting a nursing home. …feeding the homeless at a soup kitchen.

Jesus calls us to give out a cup of cold water, but to do so “in His name.” To connect all our deeds back to his amazing grace. The gospel isn’t something we tack on. It’s why we do what we do. Go public and share it with others. Who knows, God might just use it to powerfully change them like he’s changed you!

By Jared Mellinger

If you are looking for some good reading related to Christmas, I recommend the book Nancy Guthrie has edited: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Experiencing the Peace and Promise of Christmas.”

Here’s what I like about it:

1)     It is devotional and reflective in tone and approach.  It will have the effect of warming your heart to Jesus and deepening your joy in the meaning of Christmas.

2)     The chapters are short, making it easy to read even if life is already busy and full.  The chapters are around 4-6 pages long.  It is a relatively short book with 22 readings.

3)     It deals with a range of themes related to the incarnation, and therefore avoids being redundant.  There is a chapter on the gifts of Christmas, a chapter on Joseph, a chapter on the shepherds, a chapter on the wise men, and many more.

4)     The authors are some of my favorites: John Piper, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Charles Spurgeon, J.I. Packer, John Calvin, Saint Augustine, J.C. Ryle, R.C. Sproul, Joni Eareckson Tada, and more.  As you can see, the authors are also pulled from various centuries, and not confined to living authors.  I like this.   

One of the chapters that I enjoyed the most was by Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.  He outlines five reasons we have for being joyful, all related to the angels’ pronouncement in Luke 2: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.”

J.I. Packer’s chapter was also a favorite.  He writes on 2 Corinthians 8:9: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”  This is typical Packer brilliance in bite sized chunks.     

And, one more chapter I really enjoyed (after this I need to stop, otherwise it will become meaningless to say a chapter was one of my favorites) is the one by Jonathan Edwards.  “To Be More Blessed than Mary,” from Luke 11:27-28.  After describing the blessedness of Mary, he states his thesis: “It is more blessed to be spiritually related to Jesus Christ – to be his disciples, his brethren and the members – than to stand in the nearest temporal relation, than to be his brother or his mother.”   

This book will help you reflect on the joy of Christmas.  I have enjoyed reading and re-reading it.  If you are looking for a book to help you reflect on the incarnation and celebrate Christmas, this compilation is for you.   

By Rob Flood

As we come up to Christmas, we are often more attuned to the desires of our children.  Gifts of some sort are likely coming their way.  Because we love them, we want to get them what they want.

In the midst of your Christmas shopping, a recent study might be of some interest to you.  A nationally representative study was performed, asking one question of 1000 children in grades 3-12 who come from two income families.  These children were asked:

 “If you were granted one wish that would change the way that your mother’s/your father’s work affects your life, what would that wish be?”

At the same time, 600 employed parents were surveyed, asking them to guess what their children would wish for.  Not surprisingly, the majority of the parents (56%) guessed that their children would wish for more time with them. 

But here’s where the surprise comes.   Only 10% wished for more time with their mothers and 15.5% asked for more time with their fathers.  The thing that the children wished for the most is that their mothers and fathers would be less stressed and tired.  In fact, 34% said this about their mothers and 27.5% said this about their fathers.

Now, it is necessary to point out that the study was performed by an organization that promotes two income families…it was the purpose of the survey.  However, even in a study like this that might contain a strategic bias, there is something of real interest that comes out: children discern our hearts when we interact with them.  They may not always discern the nuances of what’s going on in our hearts, but they feel the fruit of it…the taste of it…the effects from it.

We can often attempt to compensate for our weaknesses, our challenges, even our failures with more effort…with things to do. 

~   “We must spend more time with the children.” 

~   “We must do more fun family activities with the children.” 

~   “We must…” 

~   “We should…”

These things are all good to do.  Yet, if we do them without consideration for our manner, for the state of our hearts, even in our well-intended efforts, our children may still wish that mommy and daddy were less tired and stressed.

It is good for us to remember that godly parenting is secondarily a task of “doing.”  “Doing” is important, but not of first importance.  Godly parenting is primarily a task of “being.”  When we are abiding in the vine, we “branches” can actually rest.  Even in the busyness of work, school, and Christmas shopping, rest is possible if we are abiding.

If God has led you to “doing,” then by all means “do.”  However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that “doing” will ultimately fix the problem.  Whether they are able to articulate it or not, children want parents who are “being” rather than parents who are just “doing.”  So, in the midst of “doing,” don’t forget to “be.”  You may be surprised at how God subsequently empowers your “doing.”

By Jared Mellinger

There was a real point in time when the eternal God became a man.  God himself was conceived in a real woman and entered a real world as a real baby, and it all happened so that the blessings of God might flow “far as the curse is found” through this baby boy. 

This is astonishing. 

And, what happened long ago is not the end of the Christmas story, because this God-man who was once born as a baby is now reigning in heaven as the Lord and King to whom every knee will one day bow. 

Now He's standing in the place of honor,
Crowned with glory on the highest throne,
Interceding for His own beloved
Till His Father calls us to bring them home!
Then the skies will part, as the trumpet sounds
Hope of heaven or the fear of hell;
But the Bride will run, to her Bridegroom's arms,
Giving glory to Immanuel!

(From Stuart Townsend’s “From the Squalor of a Borrowed Stable”)

The month of December gives us an opportunity to give glory to Immanuel by reflecting on who Jesus is and what he came to earth to accomplish.  The incarnation is a part of the gospel, the good news of God’s salvation for sinners.  If we do not understand what is happening in Bethlehem, we will misunderstand what happens at Calvary.  If we do not understand the identity of Christ, we will not be able to appreciate the work of Christ as we ought.

Next Sunday we begin a 3-week preaching series on Matthew 1-2.  “God With Us” will help us celebrate the glory of the incarnation.

1.      On Dec 6, God With Us: The Genealogy (Matt 1:1-17)
2.      On Dec 13, God With Us: The Birth (Matt 1:18-25)
3.      On Dec 20, God With Us: The Star (Matt 2:1-12)

And of course, there is the special Christmas Eve service. 

All of these Christmas services throughout the month of December will be great Sundays to bring guests to Covenant Fellowship, and you might find people are more open to coming to church this time of the year.  If you haven’t had the chance to hear Jim’s message from yesterday, it will stir you to faith for how our Sunday gathering is not for Christians only.  You’ll find Jim’s list of how each part of the Sunday gathering can make the Gospel relevant in this week’s Take It Home summary of the message.

Our prayer as pastors is that this month would be full of moments like that moment the wise men shared as they were seeking the Savior: “They rejoiced exceedingly with great joy…and they fell down and worshipped him’ (Matt 2:10-11).  I can’t imagine a more appropriate response to seeing Jesus Christ for who he really is.

By Rob Flood

Thanksgiving is one of the those holidays that practically all Americans celebrate.  We’re told to be thankful for our country: for the freedom we enjoy.  The first Thanksgiving was celebrated by people from different cultures, different religions, and different backgrounds. 

From one perspective, this is a wonderful thing.  Regardless of religion, background, and culture, all of humanity enjoys common grace from God.  They enjoy the warmth of the sun, the nourishment of the rain, breath in their lungs, and a beating heart in their chest.  So, why not celebrate that over turkey and stuffing?

From another perspective, though, there is an opportunity on this ecumenical holiday for Christians to be the most thankful of all.  As followers of Christ, as sons and daughters of God, we have far more than common grace to be thankful for. 

When there is an increase in our thanksgiving for the benefits of the gospel and for the character of our God, God is glorified. (2 Cor 4:15)  When we are filled with gratitude to overflowing because of our faith, our eternity, our deliverance, God is glorified.

Psalm 50:25 tells us outright:

The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!"

So, if our thanksgiving glorifies God, why do we fail to be thankful so often?

We forget God. 

We look at a promotion at work, a healthy marriage, thriving children, a sunny day and forget the God who gave them and holds them together.  We look at struggles with friends, failures of our health, difficulties at home and forget the sovereign God who allows them.

It is why Psalm 50 ends comparing the thankful person with the one who forgets God:

"Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver! The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!" (vv22, 23)

It is also why the Scriptures, from front to back, are faithful to remind us to be thankful to God:

~   Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! (Psalm 100:4)

~   Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:4)

~   …do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)

This Thanksgiving, express your thanks for a good meal, for family and friends, and for the freedom and providence our country has enjoyed.  These are good gifts from the hand of God.  Yet, these are gifts available to more than just the church.

So, this Thanksgiving, command your own soul the way the Scriptures do…remember the unique grace we’ve received from God.  Remember the cross on which Jesus died.  Remember that each breath is from His hand that each passing of a saint is entrance into his rest.  Remember that all we encounter is an expression of God’s love for us.

Command your soul to make this Thanksgiving a day when you enter his courts with praise and his gates with thanksgiving.  A day when you give him thanks and bless his name.

By Jared Mellinger

In our house we just recently pulled out our Andrew Peterson Christmas CD.  (A great CD poetically, conceptually, and musically brilliant!)  This means Christmas is coming. 

As head of the home, I have the joy of leading the family through celebrating the birth of Christ and seizing this opportunity to help my family treasure Christ.  A few years back Meghan and I made an Advent wreath that sits on the table, with 4 candle holders around the outside and one in the middle.  Its homemade, but we like it and it gets the job done.  We set aside time once a week on the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas to remind ourselves of what we are celebrating on this Holiday.  Sunday evening works well for us.

You will notice that this family Christmas liturgy includes not only the usual Bible reading, singing, and prayer (the 3 staples of family worship), but also an opening Christmas question and cookies.  No family Christmas liturgy is complete without cookies. 

Hopefully this helps you think through what you want to do in your family, or with your friends.       

Week 1
Question for the kids: What is the meaning of Christmas?
    2) A prophecy fulfilled: Around 4000 BC, Adam and Eve receive the prophecy  that the Messiah would be born of a  woman.  Promise: Gen 3:15.  Fulfillment: Gal 4:4.
    3) A song from Luke: Read Mary’s Song (Luke 1:39-55)
    4) Singing: Joy to the World
    5) Prayer.
    6) Cookies: Sugar cookies with icing on top.

Week 2
    1) Question for the kids: What is one memory you have from Christmas?
    2) A prophecy fulfilled: Around 700 BC, Isaiah prophesies that the Savior’s mother would be a virgin and that this baby would be God himself.  Promise: Isaiah 7:14.  Fulfillment: Matthew 1:18-23.
    3) A song from Luke: Read Zechariah’s Song (Luke 1:57-80)
    4) Singing: O Come, O Come Immanuel
    5) Prayer.
    6) Cookies:  Sand tarts with sprinkles.  

Week 3
    1) Question for the kids: Tell us the story of how Jesus was born.
    2) A prophecy fulfilled:  Around 700 BC, Micah prophesies that an eternal Savior would be born in the town of Bethlehem.  Promise: Micah 5:2.  Fulfillment: Luke 2:1-7. 
    3) A song from Luke: Read the Angel’s Song (Luke 2:8-20)
    4) Singing: Hark the Herald Angels Sing
    5) Prayer.
    6) Cookies: The ones with the Hershey kiss on top.

Week 4
    1) Question for the kids: What would happen if Jesus never came?
    2) A prophecy fulfilled: Around 400 BC, Malachi prophesies that Jesus would enter the temple (which was destroyed in 70 AD).  Promise: Malachi 3:1.  Fulfillment:  Luke 2:25-27.
    3) A song from Luke: Read Simeon’s Song (Luke 2:21-38)
    4) Singing: The Gospel Song; Joy to The Word
    5) Prayer. 
    6) Cookies: Stuff ourselves with whatever is left. 

By Stefan Bomberger

As many of you know the Thrive community handed out about 180 boxes of food in Chester through our annual Boxes of Love event on Saturday, November 7th. This was the third year we've done this Thanksgiving outreach, and every year its been a huge blessing and highlight for many of us.  What was particularly special about this year, is that we did it in partnership with a local church in Chester called Freedom Baptist Church. The pastor, Sidney Harrell, has been pastoring there for over twenty years and has a real heart to reach the community with the Gospel. As we gathered with them that Saturday, you could feel the joy both groups had to be serving alongside of one another.

In the morning, before distributing the boxes, we were able to focus our energies on doing renovations and projects around the small church building. In just a few hours, we were able to tile the foyer, paint the exterior, clean out a basement, bust out a window, put in a door, trim a hall, clean up the street, and more. Our team worked very hard alongside of many other contractors and professionals from our church to execute all the various projects quickly and with excellence.  We broke for lunch around 1:30 p.m., where Pastor Sidney Harrell told us about his story of coming into ministry, into Chester, and how we both connected as local churches. It was a real highlight.

Then in the afternoon we broke into seven groups to hand out the Boxes of Love. Members from Freedom Baptist joined all the groups so that they could connect directly with their neighbors. We as a church also created special invitations to Freedom Baptist Church which went out with every box.  As we distributed the Thanksgiving meals, so many of the residents expressed their gratitude through warm receptions and even hugs. We were also able to pray with many folks right there on their porch. Besides the food, inside every box was a New Testament and an invitation to our Christmas events at Covenant Fellowship.

The evening ended with a bonfire back at Covenant where we shared stories, ate dinner, and closed out the night with praise and worship. It was an amazing day where God met us and blessed us. We thank God for each of you that filled up a Box of Love. We couldn't have done it without the dozens of families that went grocery shopping and filled the boxes with food, gifts, and prayers.

Feel free to join us on any Second Saturday in the future to participate in more outreaches like this. For example, December 5th we will be putting up Christmas Door Hangers for the Share the Good News of Christmas Campaign. See goodnewsofchristmas.org to learn more. Thanks for being the kind of church that proclaims the Gospel and is eager to share the mercy of God through your actions.

Posted by: Mark Prater

This Christmas Season we thank God for the opportunity to serve the families of Covenant Fellowship Church and to build our lives together as couples and families in the mercy and grace of God.

That man should be made in God's image is a wonder,

but that God should be made in man's image is a greater wonder.
That the Ancient of Days would be born?
That He who thunders in the heavens should cry in the cradle?"
~Thomas Watson~

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Posted by: Andrea Sharp

Editor’s note:  Andrea submitted this blog last Christmas but we didn’t get the chance to use it.  But she told me that this is becoming their new tradition.

As I stuffed the gifts under my bed, I couldn’t believe David and I had just spent the whole day shopping together—a first in our 25 years of marriage!  I have always done the majority of the Christmas shopping for our family, but this year, I was not able to get out there and do the early bird thing.  So I asked David if he would be willing to take one of his vacation days and go with me.  The look on his face said it all; but then he quickly recovered and agreed to go.  We started the day at eight am and headed for Lowe’s.  Within 3 minutes (give or take), David found some cool gadgets for the men in our extended family and then headed for the register.

Now David is disposed toward decisiveness and efficiency, a quality I’ve always liked in him – except for times such as this.  I tend to mull over things, compare, evaluate, and analyze.  Some say I go overboard trying to get just the right thing at the right price, which can make shopping with me a “prisoner of war” type experience.  I can’t imagine how they come to that conclusion. 

As we sat in the car looking over our shopping list, I started to get this uncomfortable feeling that David might not be the asset I thought he’d be.  Without much thought, I offered him an “observation,” mumbling something about missing evangelism opportunities if we did things his way.  Mercifully, he did not expose my attempt to manipulate and listened with a gentle smile.  I was experiencing our differences acutely at that moment, and I had a choice on how to respond.  Could I joyfully follow my husband’s leadership and wisdom, or would I battle for supremacy?  By God’s grace, I did not press the issue and we went onto the next store.  We were there a little longer, say about 10 minutes  And so went the day.  As we traveled to each place, we talked over ideas, laughed, and bantered with each other—all still at a nice pace.  By the afternoon, we were sitting in a restaurant counting our receipts, and I couldn’t believe we were almost done.  It was amazing to me – for I would have traditionally spread this event out over weeks and over budget.

As I recounted the day (which by the way, I thoroughly enjoyed), I marveled at the grace of God to use our differences as the source of joy between us that day rather than as a joy extinguisher.  We, as well as close friends of ours, would be the first to tell you that there are many times when both of us have made different choices in our words and actions toward one another, and still do, but God has been so merciful to us a couple.  His amazing grace first saves us and then “teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”  (Titus 2:12)  And in the context of relationships, in this case our marriage which God has so graciously given us to enjoy, that results in forbearance, harmony, and love, which in turn reflects His character and brings the glory to Him!

And a wonderful day of shopping!

Posted by: Andy Farmer

The other night we were at a Christmas party with friends.  Toward the end of the party our hosts gave us each a packet of Christmas hymns, which we proceeded to sing around a piano.  What had been a great party became great worship, because the songs we were singing contained the astounding truth of the incarnation of our Savior. 

Over the next few days as familiar Christmas carols rattle around in your head, take some time and ponder the deep Gospel thoughts contained in some familiar carols:

Angels From the Realms of Glory
Saints before the altar bending, watching long in hope and fear
Suddenly the Lord, descending, in His temple shall appear
Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ the newborn King

Good Christian Men Rejoice
Good Christian men, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
Now ye need not fear the grave;  
Peace! Peace!  Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all to gain his everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save!
Christ was born to save!

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
O ye, beneath life's crushing load whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow;
Look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing;
O rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing.

For lo! the days are hastening on, by prophets seen of old,
When with the ever-circling years shall come the time foretold,
When the new heaven and earth shall own the Prince of Peace their King,
And the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.

O Little Town Of Bethlehem
How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming; but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still the dear Christ enters in.

Silent Night
Silent night, Holy night!  Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord at thy birth; Jesus Lord at thy birth.

The First Noel
Then let us all with one accord; sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
That hath made heaven and earth of naught
And with His blood mankind hath bought.
Noel Noel Noel Noel!  Born is the King of Israel!

What Child is This?
Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through, the Cross be borne, for me, for you:
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh, the Babe, the Son of Mary!
This, this is Christ the King; whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary.

We Three Kings
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom.
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone cold tomb.
Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice!
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, heaven to earth replies.
O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright.
Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Hail! the heaven-born Prince of Peace!  Hail! the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King"

Joy to the World
He rules the world with truth and grace, and gives to nations proof
The glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love;
And wonders of His love; and wonders, wonders of His love.

Posted By Rob Flood

I don’t know about your home, but Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for us.  It’s the most wonderful time for family and fun.  It’s the most wonderful time for temptation and sin.  So, maybe “the most wonderful time” is not the right title.  Maybe “it was the best of times…it was the worst of times” fits better.

I find that going into something with our eyes wide open can help contribute to its success.  And having some tools when you see it helps even more.  So, to that end, here’s 5 tips that you may find useful.  (If not, send us some of your own so I can be more helpful next year.)

1. Your children’s sin patterns will be enhanced this Yuletide:  With presents tempting their selfishness, extended family members discouraging discipline, and the inevitable loss of sleep that comes from travelling about, sin will most likely abound.  Expect it.  Don’t be surprised by it.  Respond out of intention and not out of reaction.

2. Give everyone an empty trash bag:  There is something about clutter that makes parenting harder.  And Christmas provides its fair share of clutter with wrapping paper, empty boxes, etc.  So, spread around the responsibility for trash removal.  And keep extra bags handy, because my non-scientific research reveals that December 27^th or so, a second echelon of trash makes its move on the family room.

3. Continue (or Begin) the annual December 26^th Sleep-in Celebration:  No earthly medicine is as effective as the medicine of rest.  And, after a day filled with enhanced sin patters and boundless clutter, a good and long night’s sleep will serve the whole family.  Or, you could consider a close cousin of this tradition…the annual December 26^th mandatory nap day.  That is one of my favorites.

4. Consider creating teaching episodes rather than preaching a Christmas message: “Keeping Christ in Christmas” is far from a novel idea.  But most children, regardless of age, have exciting things on their mind each Christmas.  Much of the time, they are happy to give you their attention and their heart for a reading out of Luke or a Christmas lesson…but have mercy and keep it short.  Create a couple of times throughout the day where you gather again for the next installment.  But don’t teach them in a 90 minute lesson what could be taught in four “10 minute” installments.

5. Toy dump before…or at least after: Many families in America have more toys than we know what to do with.  Consider creating some room for new things by selecting a good number of old things that have to go.  You could donate them to less fortunate families or non-profit organizations.  Or, you could store them in a corner of your attic or garage until June/July.  Pulling out old toys and storing other ones makes it like Christmas all over again in the summer.

There are hundreds more tips/insights that could be shared and many may be better than the 5 that I did share.  The bottom line, though, is that parenting during the holidays provides us with great family memories…and some that are not so great.  It gives us the best of times and the worst of times.  Being prepared for the temptation might just afford you a year of Christmas lived in the best of times.  That would be parenting success.