Christmas: What Does It Mean to You?

December 7, 2006

Dear Friend of Mary Craig Ministries,

Saying "Merry Christmas" is back in vogue. People still scurry here and there to get the best bargains and gifts for families and friends, co-workers, teachers, service men and women, and the poor. We'll see how the numbers come in for Christmas spending this year. And hopefully, many will reflect upon the One whose birth we celebrate in all the traditions and sights and smells of Christmas.

There's a certain continuity to Christmas. No matter what else is going on in our lives or in the world, we celebrate Christmas. Families come together and people attend Christmas services and gatherings. We may be elaborate in the USA and other countries may think we've gone kooky with materialism, but on the other hand, we're givers.

I think we reflect the giving of the Son by our Heavenly Father, for "unto us a Son is given, unto us a Child is born." The Father's great love for His creation manifested in His giving of a Savior so that those who believe in Jesus Christ for this salvation could "get back to the Father" and have their fellowship with Him restored.

It's not merely about relationship, though. I think the Father's giving of Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Lord challenges us in this area of giving. We're not supposed to just sit around and say, "Oh, too bad. Be warm and cozy. I'll pray for you. Right now, though, I have to get back to my football game." We're supposed to do something proactive to help those in need. We're supposed to give--gladly, generously, graciously, and as guided by God.

We all have something to give. We can always smile, or give an encouraging word, or listen to someone by giving them our full attention. We can stand up when we see injustice. We can sing and make melody in our hearts and spread a little joy. We can make something or give of our time and energy to help a neighbor or friend. We just need to think about what we can give instead of what we can get.

Here at MCM we held our Barnabas Distribution Saturday, December 2nd to help poorer families this Christmas. This great give-away is an action that takes time, energy, and a lot of committed workers. It generates smiles on little children, a little hope to single mothers, and strong encouragement to hundreds of families.

At Craighouse we regularly give away food and little extras for a boost to all who come. And MCM supports 9 other organizations with its tithe so that your giving to MCM multiplies.

We are happy to give, and we will do more as donations and financial support come to MCM from people like you. That's why from time to time we ask you to "be a Barnabas" or to sponsor events at Craighouse or to help with world missions. By actively reaching out to help others through your gifts to MCM, you reflect the Father's love in Christ.

Soon a MCM team will be going to Ethiopia. I'll be speaking and ministering at the 14,000 member Gubae Egziabher Church in Sidist Kilo, Addis Ababa under Pastor Wolde Dagnachu.

Ethiopians celebrate Christmas on the 7th of January, but in a country with more than 80 languages and many cultural influences, we can't generalize too much. Christmas is called Ganna. A long advent fast during which no animal products are consumed for four weeks prior ends with a vigil on January 6th. People remain outdoors and pray and chant all night. The next morning, a colorful procession marches to a nearby hilltop headed by three young men with whips to keep everyone in line. Then another service is held.

Men and boys sit separately from girls and women, and the choir sings from the outside circle of three concentric circles. People receive candles as they enter the church. After lighting the candles, they walk three times around the church and stand throughout the service, which can take up to three hours. On Christmas Day, people visit friends and family, dance, play genna or leddat, a form of field hockey, and feast for the rest of the day.

A traditional Christmas dish includes Injera, a sourdough pancake like bread, which serves as both the plate and fork. Injera is used to scoop up Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew served in decorated baskets. Children usually receive clothing as presents, but giving more than that is seen as commercialism. What does Christmas mean to you?

Pastor Jim and I wish you a very Merry Christmas. However you celebrate the birth of Christ, we hope you will remember to sit down, sing some Christmas carols, and savor the coming of Christ to planet Earth. Reflect on what Christ means to you and to the world. Rejoice in your salvation. And then rise up to the challenge of giving. Let 2007 be a year of blessing and prosperity for the gospel!

As you send in your best gift today to MCM, God enables us to reach people with the gospel of Christ here and around the world, like in Addis Ababa. You are truly a blessing to us. Your gifts speak volumes of your generosity and dedication to the gospel of Christ. Please continue enabling MCM to assist hundreds of families and to demonstrate God's love through the giving of His Son.

Celebrating Christ,

Mary Craig

P.S. Go to www.marycraig.org for more articles to help you in your faith. Order from our Catalog section using PayPal. Worship with us 4:30 p.m. Sundays, grow and flourish in small group ministry at Craighouse®, located in the Pompano Plaza at 114 E. McNab Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33060. Log on to www.craighouse.org for a map and more events and Bible studies. Reach MCM at 954-491-7270. Send in your prayer requests. Mary Craig Ministries, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Federal ID 65-0429517. Be blessed! We love you.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,
(and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten
of the Father,) full of grace and truth…
And of His fullness have all we received,
And grace for grace.
For the law was given by Moses, but
Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
John 1.14-17

Merry Christmas
With Love
Rev. Jim & Mary Craig

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