Are you ready for Christmas?
I think that’s the most common question I hear these days. By this people mean, “Have you finished your shopping?” To be honest, no. In fact, I haven’t even started my shopping, but that’s okay because I’m off on Friday. I still have plenty of time.
Even though I haven’t done my shopping, I’m ready for Christmas. When I hear the question, “Are you ready for Christmas?” my mind goes a different direction than you might expect. When I’m asked if I’m ready for Christmas, I begin to reflect on the state of my soul and I look at how my heart is, not how many presents are under my tree.
Sometimes my heart is bursting with joy and thanksgiving for who Jesus is and what he has done for me. Sometimes, I am ready for Christmas, but sometimes my heart isn’t joy-filled and expressions of thanksgiving are not on my lips or evident in my actions because I’m not ready for Christmas.
Sometimes my heart is so weighed down by the burdens and busy-ness of life that my inner-world (my heart) is in as much turmoil and chaos as Cornwall Centre is on Christmas Eve. When my inner world is in turmoil, my outer world (what you see) reflects it. This is when I may make the Grinch look like an angel.
It’s in these moments that I need to take some time to get ready for Christmas. I need to take time, not to shop, but to calm and quiet my heart and talk with the Holy Spirit about what’s going on in my inner world. I’ll sit and read from the Gospels (the account of Jesus’ life) and often there will be something I need to confess and repent of, a roadblock that has kept me from God. I have found that when I do this, the Holy Spirit is always faithful and he helps me get ready to truly worship Jesus at Christmas time.
So, my question for you is, “Are you ready for Christmas? How is your heart?”
Maybe it is time to set down the shopping bags, turn off the Christmas specials and ask the Holy Spirit about the state of your heart? Maybe it is time to prepare yourself to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to give thanks for the gift of life he is giving you every day. Why not take time, over the next day or so, to read the Gospel stories of Jesus’ birth and listen for the whisper of the Holy Spirit. Let him help you with your last minute Christmas preparations. I hope you’ll join us this Sunday as we celebrate everything Jesus has done for us.
See you on Christmas Eve!
Pastor Kirk
Christmas Eve Services
Join us this Sunday at 10:30 am, 4 pm, or 7 pm as we celebrate Jesus with special Family Candlelight Services. Our 60 minute Christmas Eve service is something the whole family will enjoy, with great music, a kid’s story, a brief inspiring message of hope for the adults and teens, and then singing Silent Night by candle light.
Night in Bethlehem
Join us between the 4 pm and 7 pm services for a “Night in Bethlehem” themed party. There will be activities and crafts the entire family will enjoy as we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. The event is a come and go party, so stay as long as you’d like.
Year End Giving
Are you considering making a year-end gift? Help us finish our fiscal year in a positive position and start the new year strong, while at the same time having your gift counted towards your 2017 charitable tax receipt. Gifts can be made in person at the church on Christmas Eve or New Years Eve, online using your credit card or VISA debit card or by mailing in a cheque (be sure that the envelope is postmarked prior to December 31). Please Note: We will not be taking an offering during the Christmas Eve Services, but a box will be available at the Information Desk to receive your gifts.
Custodian – Living Hope Alliance Church
We are hiring a caretaker to work 16 hours per week on Monday and Tuesday evenings. You will report to the Director of Operations and will perform regular custodial duties as assigned by the Lead Custodian. Regular duties include sweeping, vacuuming, polishing, washing floors, walls, furniture, light fixtures and removing waste from the building. As you will be in contact with many facility renters, you should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to work independently and discreetly in a multifaceted environment. Duties will start in January.
Submit your application to rick@mylivinghope.ca
Upcoming Events
| December 24 | Christmas Eve Services (10:30 am, 4:00 pm, and 7:00 pm) |
| January 10 | MidWeek begins |
| January 28 | Prayer Summit |
| February 3 | Holy Spirit Encounter |
| February 4 | Dr. Rob Reimer speaking |
| February 11 | Global Impact Sunday – Desert Sand Region |
| February 25-March 25 | Going Beyond Series |
| March 24 | Going Beyond Leadership Commitment Event |
| March 25 | Going Beyond First Fruits Offering & Commitment Sunday |
