Advent Challenge

Over the next four weeks, we will begin walking through the season of Advent.  Advent means  "coming or arrival" and in the Christian context this is the time in the calendar where we remember Jesus' first arrival as a baby and then prepare for His second arrival (His return)!  The Church designed Advent to help prepare people for the arrival of Christ by focusing on Him and what He means to Creation.  Our perspective is that the season of Advent is needed more than ever as our culture pushes further away from the influence of Christ and marches on to greater self-indulgence.  During this season, our Church will focus on Jesus by reflecting in who He is and what He means.  We will do this by emphasizing the Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace we have in Christ.  As we spend time preparing our hearts for His arrival/return He will change the way we see ourselves and others.  Our response to His presence will change the way we look at presents.  Our hope is that this Christmas we will spend less and give more... and we have some really great ways to join together in doing this:

Christmas Hampers
We are collecting none perishable food items to be distributed to families in the community (in cooperation with the food bank and Christmas Bureau).  Hampers will be packed with food and gift cards!. All to be delivered on December 16, 2010.  Questions? Contact Dave Parsons at 604-814-3538.

StreetHope Christmas Dinner
StreetHope is running two sittings of Christmas Day dinner (2:00pm and 4:00pm).  If you are able, would you consider cooking Christmas dinner with about 8 extra people in mind?  Prepare the dinner and then bring it down to StationX (North Railway) before one of the sittings.  All extras will be given out as leftovers or delivered to the disabled.  StreetHope is also in need of volunteers for this event as table hosts, kitchen help, and cleaners.  If you are interested, we would appreciate as much advanced notice as possible to help with the planning.  For more information contact Becky Brisson (604-820-0922).

Start a new Christmas tradition...
Eliminate traditions that are wasteful (from a time, financial, and spiritual perspective) and begin new ones that emphasize your love for God... His love will pour out of you in generosity, time, and energy given to others.  Here are practical ways this could look... spend less time at the mall and more time shoveling your neighbour's driveway... buy a smaller tree and give the remaining money to someone else... buy less presents for your family and buy some for others... spend less time decorating and more time being together...

Have a Merry Christmas!