My December Church Newsletter Letter

Dear Church Family,

The other night, Jason and I were watching T.V. A commercial came on for scratch off lottery tickets. The announcer urged something like, “We need to take a step back and remember the true meaning of the holidays. Giving.” I assume he meant giving lottery tickets. It was like fingernails on a chalkboard. It seemed rather irreverent to me to tie the real meaning of the holidays to $2 scratch off tickets. And not to be cliché, but isn’t Jesus the reason for the season? I started to think about how it is that we’ve gotten so off track during this time of year.

When I was growing up, I attended a church in Merrillville, Indiana. I can remember a banner or wall hanging that hung in the Narthex of the church. It was made of felt and had baby Jesus in the manger. The verse on it was John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” Christmas is actually about the biggest gift of all time. One that we could never match, no matter how many trips we take to the mall.

So, I’ve decided that I will just close my eyes when that commercial comes on and I will remember John 3:16. Because what the announcer says is correct—giving is the real reason for the holidays. But not lottery tickets or just any other gift—The Gift. Let’s make sure that we take time this December to celebrate and remember God’s gracious love. I’ll see you at church!

God bless you and Merry Christmas!