Christmas Is Not Your Birthday
Once again, the Church continues to challenge the way we live during December. The Church says, “Christmas is not your birthday. Celebrate your birthday when it is your birthday. Celebrate Jesus’ birthday on Christmas.” Shopping and spending money on stuff does not celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Jesus said he came to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free (Luke 4:18). Jesus did not come so some of the wealthiest people in the world (that is us) could have more stuff. Christmas is a wonderful time of year. Still, it is not about consumption but compassion. It is not about presents but presence. It is a time to be generous. Therefore, I want to challenge us all to celebrate Jesus’ birth by giving to mission with our money (and our time and service, too!). The Missions Committee has identified Heifer International as a mission emphasis for our entire congregation to support. You can read more about H...