Giving & Receiving

Most Christmas gifts are wrapped so that you can’t readily tell what’s inside until you open the package. In the same way, the Gift that started it all came “wrapped” in a surprising way.
Its true value remained “hidden” to the first recipients until they “opened” the package, and received the Gift.
It is still that way today: there’s no way to truly appreciate the gift of God's Love until you accept it, and open your heart to receive it.

LOVE WAS WRAPPED IN SWADDLING CLOTHES.
Luke 2:12 ~ “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger.”

LOVE WAS CLOTHED IN HUMANITY.
A Christmas card by Dayspring cards says it well: “The Word did not become a philosophy, a theory, or a concept to be discussed, debated or pondered. Instead, the Word became FLESH...the Word became a PERSON to be followed, enjoyed, and loved.”

Jesus came and dwelt among us...God-Incarnate...God in the flesh...He’s God with skin on.

God the Father spared no expense. He’s like Hallmark motto: He cared enough to give the very best. He gave us His Son that He might become our salvation.

God gave...that we might receive, and in receiving, that we would give ourselves completely back to Him!

It's A Small, Small World

As we were lunching in the overcrowded foodcourt at Forest Hill Chase, a couple came and sat beside us at our table. After exchanging pleasantries, we continued on with our own lunches. Toward the end of the meal, the asian lady turned to Dabak and inquired as to where she was originally from. Upon hearing she was from Malaysia, we discovered just how small the world in which we live really is. Turns out the lady was Dabak's secondary school english teacher (Years 9-11) when she studied in Kuala Lumpur.

This unexpected 'surprise encounter' was a real boost to both parties ~ a teacher who was thrilled to know that her former student had made a success of her life, and a former student who, recognizing her teacher's voice, was amazed that she was (i) identified and (ii) reacquainted with a person who inspired her to be the best she could be during her formative years.

Christmas is a time of 'unexpected, surprise encounters' of God's love. The personal challenge is to be ready to receive the blessings as they arise and make the most of our faith-inspired lives.

Personal Christmas Greetings!

ASAP

In these hectic and demanding days leading up to Christmas, take the ASAP challenge. It's bound to bring great reward, and even add a little surprise, to the routine of the everyday.

There's work to do, deadlines to meet;
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

In the midst of family chaos,
"Quality time" is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our care,
And He'll respond to all your needs
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

Musical Messengers

Local musical messengers ~Box Hill Citadel Band (Craig Downes), Box Hill YP Singing Company (Fiona Florance) and Waverley Temple Timbrel Brigade (Jo De Kleyn) ~ teamed up for our annual Christmas Festival this evening to present a feast of music that was both 'heavenly and divine'. Each section gave of their best to God and the audience, to the delight of both.

One of the YP Singing Company's songs is still resounding in my mind. Pause for a moment to reflect on the words.

Christmas is a time
Christmas is a time
Christmas is a time to love
We often start to worry and people get upset
When things don't go all right on Christmas day
What we should remember in all the push and shove
Is Christmas is a time to love.
Maybe things don't sound right or look the way they should
And maybe they're not perfectly in tune
It really doesn't matter, let's keep our eyes above
'Cause Christmas is a time to love.

What a timley reminder for us all in the middle of a busy yet blessed month!

Christmas Praise To God's Glory

Inala Chapel Christmas Festival ~ plan to be there tomorrow!

Luke 2:7 (NIV) ~ "She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger..."

A New Road

What do you get when you cross dedicated volunteers, Army public relations staff and the spirit of Christmas? A PR Volunteers Appreciation Luncheon and a great reason to celebrate God's gifts.

Major Neil Venables (Territorial PR Secretary) took the opportunity to thank all volunteers for their personal efforts in assisting the Army to fulfil our Christian mission of expressing Love In Action. He then present a spiritual challenge to all present to seek the Saviour and find a 'new road' into the coming New Year, stating 'This is only possible when have a personal encounter with the Saviour'.

Yes, Lord, may it be so!

Matthew 2:12 (CEV) ~ "...they went back home by another road."