We asked several staff members what Christmas means to them so between yesterday's and today's posts we'll share our thoughts of Christmas with you. Please let us know what this season means to YOU by leaving a comment below.
Merry Christmas!
Christmas has always meant Christmas music, my favorite weather, the smell of a real tree, family traditions, Christmas Adam (December 23 - the day before Christmas Eve), kids being out of school, and peanut butter fudge (among hundreds of other snacks). But more and more, Christmas is becoming a season where I embrace the challenge of being purposeful and intentional in my worship. This Christmas, I am finding that the real beauty of this season is simply remembering that God not only came to be with us, but He continues to come again and again in my life and my heart.
-Jeff Randolph, Culturally Engaged: Domestic Director
Christmas has always meant Christmas music, my favorite weather, the smell of a real tree, family traditions, Christmas Adam (December 23 - the day before Christmas Eve), kids being out of school, and peanut butter fudge (among hundreds of other snacks). But more and more, Christmas is becoming a season where I embrace the challenge of being purposeful and intentional in my worship. This Christmas, I am finding that the real beauty of this season is simply remembering that God not only came to be with us, but He continues to come again and again in my life and my heart.
-Ed Sweeny, Pastor of Children and Families
It's
a time to contemplate the fact that Jesus became like me. He didn't just come
and suffer for 33 years--he was changed eternally for me.
-Jim Taylor, Media/Baptism
For me Christmas is always a time of wonderment. It makes me
full of “wonder” for two reasons: One because of the amazing story of how God
became man and dwelt among us and two because at Christmas even the meanest
people become kind for the season (most people that is). Isaiah 9:6 predicted
that the Christ child would be the “Prince of Peace,” the one who would bring
peace. He has affected even non-believers by his coming, even though they may
not acknowledge his lordship. He came to bring peace between God and man, peace
between men, and one day complete peace.
-Patrick Shealy, Community Groups Pastor
Spending
time with family and creating new family traditions for our young family.
-Mia
Huffman, Data Specialist
In the past few
years, Christmas has brought with it a desire to understand the context of
Jesus' birth, so this year's Arrival teaching series scratched that itch, and
gave me a few more as well. My oldest son has gotten to an age now where he
takes more interest in understanding the stories of the Bible, and my wife and
I have loved the opportunity the Christmas season brings to establish new
traditions as a family. One simple one we enjoy is reading Christmas books
before the kids’ bedtime. Each night we gather together in the living room and
read 1 or 2 books the kids choose, and always finish with a couple stories from
the Jesus Storybook Bible. This has been a great way for us to engage in conversations
regarding what the birth of Jesus means, and why we celebrate Christmas. It is
my hope that, in addition to keeping the focus of Christmas in step with the
story of Christ, we are building tradition together as a family that we will
all look on fondly in the future. Christmas does come with memories for me, as
it does most people. Some look with hope on the Christmas season for the
deposits of joy it brings, and others enter the season with wounds from the
past and present. I have done both, and I am so thankful that the story of Christ
is one that intersects both. When we enjoy Christmas together with family, we
get a small glimpse of the harmony and glory that we will be a part of for
eternity. When we struggle, Christmas can remind us that Jesus entered the
world, struggled with us, and will one day restore all things so that we will
no longer struggle.
-Chris McGowan, Pastor to Guests
Christmas brings a warmth
that no other time of year does. The songs, the chill in the air, the hot
chocolate, the cider, the closeness of friends and family, and a couple of
extra days to slow down all help remind me why and what we celebrate each year.
Christ gave up heaven so that he could live in a broken world and die for me. I’m
thankful for everything that surrounds Christmas because all of it together reminds
me of what He’s done for all of us.
-Sabrina Fields, Communications Planner
Christmas is a time to reflect on the season of the year as
well as your own season in life, a time to pause from the daily trappings of
life and work, a time to enjoy with family and children (and grandchildren!),
and a time to dwell on the impact of Christ's birth.
-Jeff Randolph, Culturally Engaged: Domestic Director