WAYS OF CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS

To the relative few taking the time to read these few words - for we are all too busy preparing to celebrate Christmas, aren't we - Christmas greetings!

While travelling this year, I generally asked my friends how they celebrate Christmas. And there has been a surprising variety in the answers. Big differences emerged within three categories, and illustrate the influence of 'the world' upon our celebrations.

1. WEALTH
In the affluent West of course, we all know only too well that the garrulous guile's of the advertising gurus have penetrated to very core of the occasion. For the large majority, presents precede people, and the principal person (Is it Santa Claus?!) Jesus, takes a back seat in the credit card catastrophe that Christmas has become.

In less wealthy societies on the other hand, Christmas is celebrated in a low-key way, for there simply is little or no spare cash for rapacious retailers to acquire. Jesus tends to become the focus in these places, as literally, He is the people's only hope, both for present (no presents!) and future survival.

2. MAJORITY OR MINORITY CULTURE
In countries or areas of countries where Christianity is the predominant religion or culture, Christmas is celebrated as an 'event' far more than in minority culture situations. The bigger the 'event', the lesser the emphasis upon the real reason for the celebration. Where Christians are in a minority however, Christmas Day is often seen as the prime 'witnessing day' of the year, as non-Christians generally, are more receptive to the Gospel message at this time.

3. COMMITTMENT OF THE INDIVIDUAL CHURCH
'Believers' tend to celebrate the occasion, 'disciples' the birth of our Lord, irrespective of country or culture.

What is our Christmas to be this year?

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FROM THE WORD

"Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
(Luke 1:11-17)

"In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”" Luke 1:26-33)

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus." (Matthew 1:22-15)

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

*** Salvation costs us nothing, but cost Jesus everything.

*** To the believer Jesus is Saviour, but to the disciple he is also Lord.

*** So often we don't appreciate the true value of light until we find ourselves in darkness.

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FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What is the only bone in the body that does not connect to other bones?

ANSWER: The hyoid bone, in the throat, is the only bone in the human body that does not connect to other bones. Its job is to support the tongue and its muscles.

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Why do pigs like to wallow in mud?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS
BIRD-SERVATION
The Wright Brothers spent time observing the flight of the buzzard to help them solve the mystery of flight. They realized that the bird retained balance in the air by twisting the tips of it's wings. By creating a wing warping method based upon this observation, the brothers were able to obtain a remarkable degree of manoeuverability. (Today they look to the eagle)

ARE YOU A QUIDNUNC?
A "quidnunc" is a person who is eager to know the latest news and gossip — in other words, a busybody. (The 'full quid' - misused)

'BUS-TED'
In the movie "Speed"(1994)twelve buses were used, including two which exploded; one for the freeway jump; one for high-speed scenes; and one used solely for 'under bus' shots. (Quite a bus-iness)

A PUZZLE FOR YOU!

give give give give &
get get get get

Answer at the end of A David Musing

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WHY JESUS IS BETTER THAN SANTA CLAUS

^^^ Santa lives at the North Pole--Jesus is everywhere.

^^^ Santa rides in a sleigh--Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.

^^^ Santa comes but once a year--Jesus is an ever-present help.

^^^ Santa fills your stockings with goodies--Jesus supplies all your needs.

^^^ Santa comes down your chimney uninvited--Jesus stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

^^^ You have to wait in line to see Santa--Jesus is as close as the mention of His Name.

^^^ Santa lets you sit on his lap--Jesus lets you rest in His arms.

^^^ Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi, little boy or girl, what's your name?"--Jesus knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

^^^ Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly--Jesus has a heart full of love.

^^^ All Santa can offer is "Ho, Ho, Ho!"--Jesus offers health, help and hope.

^^^ Santa says, "You better not cry"--Jesus says, "Cast all your cares on Me for I care for you."

^^^ Santa's little helpers make toys--Jesus makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

^^^ Santa may make you chuckle--Jesus gives you joy that is your strength.

^^^ Santa puts gifts under your tree--Jesus became our gift and died on a tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison. Yes, Jesus is better. He is even better than Santa Claus.
--Author unknown.

INDIANS NEW ZEALAND EXPERIENCE!

If you don't love the glorious game of cricket, please skip this article! If you are one of the multitude of Indians who told me that India would beat New Zealand in the cricket, please read on!

For yesterday we 'Kiwis' beat you Indians for the second time in a little over a week in one of the most remarkable tests in history. On Saturday I, with son Nigel, and friends Kathy and David Harris, (another couple with the same names as my wife and I) witnessed a remarkable days play in which 22 wickets fell (The most in a single day's play in the last 50 years), where India led on the first innings with a score under 100 (The first time ever in over 1,600 tests worldwide) and part of all 4 innings were played on the one day. (Normally takes 5 days, and sometimes they still don't have sufficient time!) A remarkable day!

And we got sunburned! No problem in the Tropics but ever an ever present one here in New Zealand where the Ozone Layer is very thin, due to the effects of worldwide pollution.

An interesting and enjoyable Indian experience - for a 'Kiwi'!

LAUGHING AT OURSELVES

***Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused***

CALL TO WORSHIP - ALMOST!
Two shipwrecked sailors were adrift on a raft for days. Finally, in desperation, one knelt and began to pray, "Oh Lord, I know I've been a pretty bad guy. I've drunk too much booze, and chased too many women. I've lied and cheated. I've done so many things that I'm ashamed of, but Lord, if you'll just save me I promise that I'll . . ."
"Hold it," interrupted his shipmate, "don't say another word, I think I just spotted land."

(The last Chance?)

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A DAVID MUSING

When you come back from a successful time of ministry, the reality is that things go wrong in one or more areas of your life.

This time for me, it has been with machinery, both mechanical and electronic. And how much we rely upon mechanical marvels to assist us (take over?) in our daily lives. Particularly motor cars, and these days, computers too!

I won't bore you with the details, but finally, yesterday, we had everything back in working condition after a week of frustration and expense. Satan we have you beat!

But as I was writing this letter, we received a phone call to say that Kathy's mother had had an accident on her way up here to visit us for Christmas. So off we go for some 50kms to rescue Mum and Kathy's auntie. Fortunately, although the car was written off, neither received any serious injury. On the way back home, I finally remembered to pray a hedge of protection around our family and our machinery.

It is amazing how often we forget to do such a simple thing that would help avoid the problems in the first place. It also shows the importance of those in ministry having an effective prayer team supporting them. Now we can truly get ready for Christmas!

Kathy and I take this opportunity to wish you an extraordinarily happy Christmas, hopefully with your family and friends, but assuredly with our ultimate friend and family member, the 'birthday boy', Jesus.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's Word Puzzle Answer: Forgive & forget.

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ABOUT US

WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. A ministry dedicated to developing discipleship, fostering unity amongst God’s people to achieve the Great Commission, and in doing so, preparing for Christ’s return. It is securely based upon the foundational principles of the Apostles Creed while recognising the wide and rich diversity of beliefs amongst Christians in other areas. In accordance with the Lord’s direction, materials produced by the ministry are available, free of charge, to genuine enquirers upon request. The ministry is solely funded by donations, as the Lord provides. A list of materials available (plus some fun!) is obtainable and freely downloadable from our website wwj.org.nz or by contacting us as follows.

Walking With Jesus Ministries
P O Box 5160
Mount Maunganui
New Zealand

Phone: (07) 575-7164 International (0064) 7575-7164
Fax: (07) 575-7124 International (0064) 7575-7124
Email: enquiries@wwj.org.nz
Web: wwj.org.nz
Our role is to bless and encourage those in ministry while promoting co-operation and unity of direction amongst the body of Christ, as emphasised 3 times by Jesus in His longest prayer, immediately prior to His arrest and crucifixion. "… so that they may be one as we are one." (John 17:12, 21, 23-4) Our website is currently being developed to encourage your participation one with another, to share resources, and to enable you to promote events and items of interest to the body as a whole – and have a smile while doing it!

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