The Joy of Christmas Giving

 

“…the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35

Christmas 2010 is rapidly approaching! Internet Christmas radio stations on Windows Media Player and www.Pandora.com are  filling the air with the joyful sounds of the season!

As we prepare to celebrate the Christmas Season, I’m happy to report the spirit of Christmas giving is very much alive and well today, especially at the Rock Church in San Diego, CA.  

The Rock Church, well known for its service to the San Diego community, is scheduled to give out 10,000 toys and 60,000 pounds of food to families in need on Saturday, December 11, 2010! Incredible!

“Toys For Joy”, as the annual event is called, celebrates its 14th anniversary this year. It is expected to attract 16,000 children and adults!

More information on the great “Toys For Joy” event is found here. 

Especially during the Christmas Season, it is well to remember that it is truly “more blessed to give than to receive!” Jesus reminds us of this truth in Acts 20:35.

When we give:

• We are reminded that we are truly blessed to be in a position to give.
• Giving promotes the happiness of the giver.
• God blesses those who give from a pure heart! (See Matt 25:34-40;  Luke 3:11; Romans 12:8; 2 Corinthians 9:7;  James 2:14-16)

Loving to give, God gave us all things (1 Chronicles 29:14; Ephesians 4:7). The greatest gift of all He gave was  the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, The Savior (John 3:16) whose birth we celebrate during this special season!

We don’t have to give out 60,000 pounds of food! The economy has really been rough this year for many. However, just a small gift for someone, especially in need, can make all the difference in the world this Christmas Season!

What gift(s) will you give this Christmas?

Until next time, remember, you can do all things thru Christ Jesus!

Merry Christmas!

Kenneth Lillard 

Planning A Christmas Service, Part 2

In my last post, Planning A Christmas Service, Part 1, I discussed the role of Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube in the Christmas planning process. No, it’s not too late for your church to begin planning a Christmas service!

Social media is a great way to reach out and connect with people, both inside and outside the church, to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul Steinbrueck at Christian Web Trends develops this theme of incorporating social media in your Christmas planning with his excellent post, 25 Ways To Promote Your Church’s Christmas Service In Social Media at http://blog.ourchurch.com/. 

How is your church/ministry using Social Media in its Christmas planning process?

Until next time, remember, you can do all things thru Christ Jesus!

Be Blessed!

Kenneth Lillard

Planning A Christmas Service, Part 1

This year Christmas arrives on a Saturday! Can you believe there are only 22 days left until Christmas Day?

A question some are asking is: Is it too late for a church to begin planning a Christmas service? No, absolutely not!

However, there are some key things to keep in mind:

• You only have 2-3 weeks to work with. Don’t try to pull off a big spectacular that you don’t have the time or resources to produce!
• Decide on an appropriate theme, for example “A Family Christmas” (the model being Jesus, Mary and Joseph), “The Joy of Christmas!”, etc.
• Advertise your Christmas service on your church’s website highlighting your theme.
• Invite your friends and followers to your Christmas service from your Facebook and Twitter pages!
• Create a video promo or post a video on YouTube extending an invitation to your Christmas service.
• Mail out Christmas cards inviting the community to your Christmas service!
• Think inside the box. Maximize the resources you do have and don’t worry about what you don’t have!
• Be creative with your Christmas service! However, it’s also OK to go traditional  with Christmas carols and candles.
• A traditional Christmas service can be held on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day,  or the Sunday nearest Christmas.
• Remember your Christmas guests! Make them feel welcome, and give them a reason to return!
• Finally, tell the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus! He is the reason for the season! Relate the story from the Gospel of Luke 2:1-20!

And let me be the first to wish all of my loyal readers a Blessed and Very Merry Christmas!!!

What type of Christmas service have you planned this year?

Until next time, remember, you can do all things thru Christ Jesus!

Be Blessed!

Kenneth Lillard