Most of us approach Christmas with the strange paradox of excitement and dread, of joy and anxiety. We love the season - the good cheer, the time with family, the music, the celebrations. We dread the shopping, the attempt to keep the reason for the season, the family tensions, the crowds, the money we spend on gifts, deciding what to buy…..
How did we ever get caught up in the frenzy of buying gifts and spending so much money?
Most people believe that the idea of buying gifts may have started in reference to the gifts the Magi brought to the baby Jesus as recorded in Matthew 2:11,
... they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
Accounts of St. Nicolas
giving money to the poor in the 4th century shaped the beginnings of the Santa Claus tradition.
The examples of giving were 1)as worship and 2)to the those in need.
What would happen if we used those examples as our criteria for giving?
Would our children suffer? Would our dads still have enough ties?
Perhaps this season we might re-evaluate how we spend our time and money to celebrate Christmas. We could look at the messages that we convey about what we value.
When thinking of the investment of prayers and donations of many during the past year,
you can rejoice and praise the Lord with us in remembering how they have touched many lives.
Some of these people include:
- 160 poor, young children in Zambia who can continue to attend school.
- A young boy named Albert who was overjoyed at hearing about Jesus and John who prayed with him in that Zambian slum.
- The marriage of a young couple was restored after almost losing it because of pornography addiction.
- A couple now has sound finances and a marriage that is stronger than ever after being overwhelmed with debt which caused intense marital strife.
- A young girl was able to unload her burden of despair from losing her parents and being mistreated by her caretakers, after hearing Karen share her own story of hardship.
- A couple can now communicate and resolve conflict for the first time after years of hurt feelings and pain in their marriage.
- A woman carrying the burden of years of abuse and pain who can now be a healthy, Christian wife and mother.
The end of the year is often a time when people consider their giving to the Lord in a special way. We are very thankful for the people who support this ministry.
These end-of-the-year donations are a vital part of our budget. Please pray for God to supply our needs at this time of the year. [to donate]
You are a valuable part of our ministry! We love and appreciate you and your support of what God is doing at Living Well!
Donna and Ed Edwards
P.S. Please pray for the Lord to provide the remaining $8700 for our mission to Zambia in January.
Hot Wheels and Trucks abound!
