So this is Christmas, and what have you done...?

Allow me to let you in on a family “secret” at our house. You know those sappy Christmas movies that come on every night from Thanksgiving to Christmas on The Hallmark channel? Right. The ones where every peculiar old man is really Santa or somebody’s lonely and they get a boyfriend/girlfriend just in time to kiss under the mistletoe. If Gail’s got the remote – that emitter of familial control – that’s what’s on our TV. Every night.

Now, I confess. I have a few Christmas movies that I look forward to every year. Any version of “A Christmas Carol” (whatever happened to Mr. Magoo?) gets my vote. A great story. And I’m good for at least one viewing of “A Wonderful Life”. My favorite is “The Christmas Story” about Ralphie and his Red Rider BB gun. Lots of laughs in that one. And Tim Allen’s original “Santa Clause”. “Elf” is a laugher, too. And because I’m a big Maureen O’Hara fan, the original “Miracle on 34th Street” (is that the right number?) is a good one in front of the fireplace.

Unless it’s a version of the Bible story of Christ’s birth, mostly every Hollywood holiday flick – even “The Grinch” – carries with it the theme of joy and some kind of “spirit” that should accompany The Season. Isn’t it interesting that even the secular world still has this notion that Christmas (for some reason) should bring out the best in us? Tiny Tim should get medical treatment. Scrooge becomes benevolent. George is rescued by the generosity of friends while Clarence gets his wings. Ralphie gets his Christmas wish.

And while you and I know that’s not really what Christmas is about, it isn’t a bad thing that this time of year people throw a few bucks into the Salvation Army kettle or give toys to kids via the Marines. People do tend to smile a bit more and the kindness quota rises a bit this time of year. And for most, that’s a good enough reason to have this “holiday season”.

But for Christ followers, who not only know the story that started it all, but know the One worshipped by shepherds and angels as their Savior and Friend, this season should be the time of year when we see the door opened wider than any other time of year to exhibit in our lives that He is real.

While it’s still legal (and I say that with my tongue partly in my cheek), let’s be “Merry Christmas” people. “Happy Holidays” somehow just strips away the fact that this is more than a day off from work. Use this season to speak up and tell your story or invite a friend to church or to your group or to a Christmas activity where you know those whose lives have been changed by Christ will be present. Do something radically generous for a stranger. There may never be a better opportunity in a calendar year for Christians to welcome seekers to the manger and the cross that had to follow.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

I wonder if anyone ever really answered John Lennon's question?

Celebration Sunday

Tomorrow we'll celebrate by hearing from many what God has done in their lives the past six weeks of 40 Days of Purpose. There will be some great testimonies of God's grace and we'll have a lot of fun. See you at 9 or 11.

Don't Forget!

Created for a Mission

Evangelism is actually carried out intentionally by only 10% of Christians. That means 90% of us are not sharing our faith.

Have you ever shared your faith story and how the Good News of Jesus can bring new life with someone else?

Why is it that the Christian community typically avoids communicating the Gospel?

How can NHC encourage her partners to reach out?

Share your thoughts and comments.

iServe@nagsheadchurch

Want to find out more about serving God by serving people? Tom Lee, our Ministries Pastor would love to help you plug in. iServe@nagsheadchurch.org.

Ministry Fair Sunday!

Did you know we have something like 25 ministry teams at NHC? There literally is something for everyone.

Sunday our ministry teams will be set up for all to check out their purposes and requirements and to plug into a team. The first requirement to be on one of our teams is to belong to the church.

Included in this year's Church Directory (available Sunday!) is a section profiling every existing team.

I'm very excited and hopeful about Sunday's gatherings. We're going to hear from Mike and Tina Hodgson about the role ministry plays in their lives. It's going to be real good.

A testimony about Fellowship

I got this in an email today.
Are you in a group?

For a while now I've really wanted to belong, and be able to help out so much more and serve the Lord with NHC. I don't have family out here to go to church with, though the only family I have here is the church, and my small group within the church family. If it weren't for my small group, and Ramon, I wouldn't be as encouraged as I am. From where I was with no where to go, and no idea what to do, to where I am now is only because of the small group system, and this all proves that it works. I'm so thankful for them, and how much we are able to care for each other, and thats why I look forward to every Tuesday night because of them.

Need fellowship? Need a family? It happens in small groups.