Archive for Christmas

Dec
23

Christmas Eve in the Jungle: A Missionary Wishes for Home

by newhope

This story has been excerpted from Can Martha Have a Mary Christmas?: Untangling Expectations and Truly Experiencing Jesus.

by Brenda Poinsett

When Bernie was a missionary pilot, flying Bible translators for the Jungle Aviation and Radio Service in Peru, he and his wife Nancy were nostalgic for Christmas back home in Pennsylvania. It was their third Christmas away from home, but their 3 boys were excited as Christmas approached. To the boys, Peru was home. And the air around the mission center, with more than 300 translators and support personnel, was festive.

The week before Christmas, Bernie’s flight coordinator asked him to make an emergency flight to the Maranon River basin, carrying medical supplies to an Indian tribe where there had been an epidemic. He scheduled Bernie to return to Nancy and the boys on the evening of December 23.

Bernie made the 5-hour flight without incident. The old Aeronca plane with its bulky pontoons droned through the scattered clouds and safely landed on the river near the Indian village. He planned to spend the night at the village, sleeping in a jungle lean-to between two palm trees, and depart the next morning for home.

During the night, however, he heard rain splattering on the thatch roof over his head. When he awoke in the morning the entire river basin was covered with fog and rain. There would be no flying that day.

It rained all day and through the next night. Christmas Eve was the same. The clouds were down to the tops of the trees. The rain fell steadily.

In the Wrong Place?

Bernie slipped on a poncho and trudged through the village down to the river’s edge. The plane was tied against the bank, rocking gently on the rain-splattered water. He crawled out on a pontoon and sat under the wing, feeling desperately sorry for himself.

It was Christmas Eve, and the night was descending on the jungle. He knew there was no way he could get back home.

Back in Pennsylvania, his folks would have returned from church and his mother would be getting the turkey ready. Outside, the snow would be falling. The big tree, with the star on top, would be standing as always in its corner.

Back at the mission center, 6 hours away, Nancy and the boys would be sitting at home alone. They knew that he was stuck in the jungle because he had been able to radio them. He would not be with family for Christmas.

“Oh, God,” he moaned, “I’m in the wrong place.”

More than anything else he wanted to be home for Christmas.

Instead, he sloshed his way back to his hut in the little village. He shared some yucca with a couple of Indian children, and read them the Christmas story out of the Bible, doing his best to translate it so they could understand.

A Radical New Perspective

That night, under his mosquito net, Bernie had a visitation from God—a midnight clear moment like the shepherds experienced on the hills outside ofBethlehem. There were no angels, and no bright light, but the clarity was there, and so was a voice.

As he lay in his hammock, desperately homesick, he heard God say: “My son, this is what Christmas is all about. Jesus left heaven and on Christmas morning He woke up in the ‘wrong place’—a stable in Bethlehem. Christmas means leaving home, not going home. My only begotten Son did not come home for Christmas—He left His home to be with you.”

Bernie opened his eyes. Overhead, through the mosquito net, he could see the brown palm-thatch leaves that formed the ceiling of the lean-to. Beneath him was the hard-packed dirt floor. All around was the sound of gently falling rain.

But out there in the darkness were men and women, boys and girls, tiny babies—all part of the Indian tribe. He was there, away from home Christmas Eve, because Jesus left his home on Christmas. Bernie was there because Jesus said, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21 KJV)

During the night the rain stopped. On Christmas Day Bernie was able to take off from the river and by nightfall he was back with his loved ones. He went back knowing in an indelible way that Christmas is God’s ultimate missionary outreach. In the wrong place for Christmas, a silent night turned into a holy night.

Brenda Poinsett is the author of Can Martha Have a Mary Christmas?, The Friendship Factor, and Wonder Women of the Bible. Passionate about sharing knowledge that changes lives, she organizes retreats on topics such as women in the Bible, spiritual transformation, and dealing with emotions. Brenda and her husband, Bob, have 3 grown sons and reside in Union, Missouri.

0 Categories : Articles
Dec
22

The First Christmas

by newhope

This is the 15th in a series of articles from New Hope authors this month on the theme Celebrating Christmas in a World of Need.

by Patricia Ennis

It was October of my 18th year of life when my dad stepped into eternity. As a college freshman I not only had to deal with my own grief, I also was faced with the responsibility of helping my mother adjust to a new lifestyle.

You see, when Dad died, she not only lost her husband of 30 years, she also lost her circle of friends. Suddenly the married couples (my dad was the first of their group to die) didn’t know what to do about Mother—so they did nothing. Her grieving process was actually extended because of the withdrawal of her friends, many with whom she and Dad had enjoyed fellowship for years.

Our plight was magnified by the reality that we did not have extended family, and I was an only child. Quite frankly, the outlook for the holiday season appeared pretty dismal!

As the holidays approached, our neighbors graciously invited us to share their Christmas celebration with them. The sincere invitation, their effort to fold us into their family, inclusion in the gift exchange, and intentional conversation that focused on recounting the blessings of the year as well as looking forward to the next turned what could have been a miserable day into one of joy.

Of course we missed our husband and Dad but the focus on the Lord’s provision for us through the hospitality of our neighbors (Philippians 4:8–9, 19) soothed our grieving spirits.

A Catalyst to Biblical Compassion

I have a happy ending to my mother’s loss of her circle of friends, which I described at the beginning of this story. Ever the gracious Southern hostess, she did not cease to extend hospitality because of the change in her marital status—in the 5 years that she lived beyond Dad’s death, we entertained frequently, and eventually our guest list included widows from the group that had earlier excluded my mother. Though her arthritic condition precluded her from doing quite as much food preparation as she was accustomed to do, she continued to help me hone the skills that were second nature to her.

The loving hospitality extended to us on that first lonely Christmas served as a catalyst for Mom and me to open our home throughout the year—especially during the holiday season! Will you consider displaying biblical compassion by including some of the “others”—singles, widows, and the grieving—in your holiday celebrations? Who, knows, you might be entertaining an angel incognito (Hebrews 13:2)!

Patricia Ennis is the author of Becoming a Young Woman Who Pleases God. She serves as distinguished professor and director of homemaking programs, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

0 Categories : Articles
Dec
22

Immanuel: Not Just For Decoration

by newhope

This is the 14th in a series of articles from New Hope authors this month on the theme Celebrating Christmas in a World of Need.

By Sheryle Cruse

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”—Matthew 1:23 (NKJV)

Matthew 1:23 reminds us of Jesus’ name, Immanuel—“God with us.” That means that as we Christmas hustle and bustle, Christmas shop, and Christmas stress about this wonderful time of year, He is right there. When we’re cheery, when we’re grumpy, He’s there. When we forget Him, when we remember Him, He’s still there.

There are Nativity displays galore during this season. We see varying styles and sizes. And Who is in these Nativity scenes? It’s Baby Jesus.

Jesus—He’s not just another Christmas ornament. He is God with us. Are we living in step with our Savior? Or do we treat Him as just a decoration?

Jesus is relevant and present. He doesn’t want to merely decorate your life; He wants to guide it and bless it! Are we keeping the “main thing the main thing?” Are we celebrating that?

Immanuel. God is with us. It’s a celebration beyond tradition; it’s God’s loving gift for us!

Now a poet living in St. Paul, Minnesota, Sheryl Cruse writes as a way of ministering to those struggling with eating disorders. Her poems have been published in several journals and newsletters. She is the author of Thin Enough: My Spiritual Journey Through the Living Death of an Eating Disorder.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

0 Categories : Articles
Dec
21

Bringing the Light of Christmas to Japan

by newhope

This is the 13th in a series of articles from New Hope authors this month on the theme Celebrating Christmas in a World of Need.

by Kimberly Sowell

It looked like the twinkling landscape of any major American city square readied for Christmas. But we were far from home. We were in Japan.

I was standing on a corner of Fukuoka with my daughter, a friend and her daughter, and our male teammate as we beckoned people to come talk with us about the true meaning of Christmas. The dazzling display of Christmas lights was breathtaking, but those lightbulbs seemed dim in comparison to the light of Christ that was shining through my daughter. I stood back with tears in my eyes as my 9-year-old told a woman that Jesus is the King of kings and He means everything to her. She was sharing Jesus with a world in need.

God at Work

This was a missions trip like no other. Our method for spreading the good news was to work with our resident missionary to share the gospel on the city streets and to do several Christmas parties around the city. God opened the door for 10 Christmas parties, and God brought more than 300 moms, children, senior citizens, and college students to hear the true meaning of Christmas and the story of why Jesus came.

One woman said, “I saw a picture of Jesus dying on the Cross, and it always made me feel sad. But now I know that Jesus came to save the whole world.” Wow!

Another woman came to a party and asked if she could come again the next day; the story of Jesus impressed her and she wanted to hear it again. One lady asked about prayer, another person asked to hear a testimony . . . God was at work.

At Christmas and throughout the year, the world needs to hear that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world (1 John 4:14). How will God use you? Share that Christmas cheer!

Editor’s note: You also may be interested in listening to a podcast next week with Kimberly on the subject of world evangelization. Scheduled to be posted on December 29, 2011.

Kimberly Sowell is founder and president of Kingdom Heart Ministries. She is also a regular voice on New Hope Digital. Her most recent works include Soul Shaping, Women of the Covenant, and A Passion for Purpose.

1 Categories : Articles
Dec
21

Seasons of Life Change, a Desire to Minister Remains

by newhope

This is the 12th in a series of articles from New Hope authors this month on the theme Celebrating Christmas in a World of Need.

by Linda M. Clark

Because my husband’s work took us away from both sides of our family, we developed some Christmas traditions built around reaching out to people in need. We exchanged gifts and mailed the usual boxes to grandparents and friends, but my husband and I always tried to provide opportunities for our 3 children to experience giving rather than just receiving.

In addition to earning money for the annual Christmas missions offering by doing extra household chores, Wayne, Phillip, and Janna helped with a variety of projects for homeless families, providing holiday meals, gathering canned goods, and buying gifts for children. We had a lot of fun through the years as a family knowing that we helped others to celebrate Christmas too.

Children grow up, marry, and establish homes of their own. After many years, it was just my husband and me! That first year was a time of adjustment because there were no children at our Christmas celebrations.

It was obvious that we needed to establish new traditions, ones that fit our new title as “empty nesters.” We began to look for new opportunities to share Christ with others during the Christmas season.

Since then, we have tried in a number of ways to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of others at Christmastime. We have served meals at a senior citizen center and on skid row in Los Angeles. We have bought gifts for children whose parents were in prison and helped with a follow-up celebration event for their families. One year in an effort to help one of my granddaughters learn the blessing of giving to others we shopped for winter scarves and matching gloves for the homeless. Another year we set a goal of filling 15 Operation Christmas Child boxes. The hardest part was finding the boxes!

We have recently moved from California to Indiana and are already in search of a Christmas project that will allow us to share God’s love through Jesus, His Son. Merry Christmas as you, too, establish or continue Christmas celebrations and ministries!

Linda M. Clark speaks both nationally and internationally on a wide range of subjects of interest to women and leads seminars, retreats, and conferences on spiritual growth, women’s life issues, and missions. She is the compiler of 5 Leadership Essentials for Women and author of Awaken the Leader in You.

 

1 Categories : Articles
Dec
20

Immanuel Changes Everything

by newhope

by Jason C. Dukes

As you are celebrating Immanuel this year, may I ask you a question regarding your neighbors (all those who live on the daily pathways of your life right there in your community)?

I admit up front that this question is a loaded one. It will be followed by some personal thoughts on the story of the shepherds and how Immanuel’s arrival changed forever those individuals and their community and our world.

So, here’s the question: If the people of your community believed and actually lived as though “God with us” was a reality, what might surprisingly be different about the neighborhood, the community, and the city where you live?

Luke 2 and Some Thoughts on His Coming

As you ponder this question, please consider the following personal reflections (with accompanying Scriptures) from the story of the shepherds in Luke 2:8–20 (NASB).

:: Emmanuel challenges our community’s religious norms, bypassing the ritually religious people to show up among those who weren’t necessarily religiously active.

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

:: Emmanuel questions who our community values, highlighting the presence of the powerless and exposing the powerful (by their lack of presence).

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

:: Emmanuel rebukes how our community typically thinks of God. We do not perform well in order to gain His presence, but rather He is pleased to give us His presence in spite of our performance.

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

:: Emmanuel causes us to look for God differently. We search for Him away from our erected mountains of worship only to find Him out in the midst of the ignored, unimportant, overlooked, and dirtiest of places.

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.

:: Emmanuel transforms wayward loners into loving worshippers, making us into a community of people who learn the ways of God together even from the most unexpected of teachers.

 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

The Bottom Line

How might Immanuel change the way you and I think and live and interact in our community? May we remember daily what God desires, who He values, how He loves us, where He is, and why He is so worthy of our worship.

Because while we were still sinners, both self-indulgent and self-righteous, He came to be with us.

And that changes things.

Even how we celebrate His coming.

So, what would you suggest? In response to what we have learned and continue to learn from Immanuel, how might the local church expressions in our neighborhoods join together to do more than just celebrate Christmas in the same old ways? How might we together go and be Immanuel in our communities?

Please leave your stories and thoughts so we can celebrate and learn His ways together!

Jason C. Dukes, author of Live Sent, Cartas Vivas, and Beyond My Church, has a passion for equipping the church to make disciples. Raised in New Orleans, he is a Christ follower and a leader, a husband and a father, a learner and a teacher, a servant and a brother. Since 2004, he’s been on an amazing journey cultivating a local church expression in the Orlando, Florida, area: Westpoint Church.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

0 Categories : Articles, Columns, Jason C. Dukes
Dec
20

Ready for a Christmas Charge?

by newhope

This is the 11th in a series of articles from New Hope authors this month on the theme Celebrating Christmas in a World of Need.

by Rhonda Rhea

So much shopping! By the time I finish making my shopping list, I often start to wonder if I’m going to have to sell an organ before the bills come in.

Incidentally, I’m leery of selling off parts I’m presently using. However, there doesn’t seem to be a big market for tonsils. Slightly used appendix anyone? Nice spleen, only one owner. How about my gizzard?

I do try to stay this side of the organ black market, but toward the end of the shopping season you just might find me turning my purse upside down and giving it several latch-rattling shakes. I don’t know why I think I’m going to be pleasantly surprised at what shakes out of those dark recesses of my purse. I somehow imagine enough cash to finish off the entire shopping list will suddenly appear—and maybe enough to get my nails done.

I’m brought forlornly back to reality when I realize I’ll be trying to finish off the list by wheeling and dealing with 3 nickels, a large ball of purse fuzz, and some stale gum. To say the least, none of that looks good for my nails.

On My Knees

My shopping strategy may not always be the smartest, but here’s hoping my real Christmas celebration will always begin and end on my knees. Whether life is humming along pleasantly or we’re suffering through difficulties a lot bigger than a minor but taxing financial situation at the mall, prayer should be our continuous response to God, who provides everything we really need. James 5:13 says,“Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.” (NLT).

The Christmas charge (which has nothing to do with a credit card) is to stay connected to our Creator through His provision of prayer. The Message phrases Mark 11:24 this way:  “‘That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything.’”

God’s “everything” is not really about all the items on that shopping list. As a matter of fact, it tends to put all our shopping lists in perspective. It’s about knowing Him and the spiritual fruit-filled life He can provide.

So let’s stay connected to the Father in prayer and watch as He fills our life with sweetness. You’ll find that staying in touch with Him even influences our buying decisions. I think that means I can keep my spleen. And I found out I don’t even have a gizzard.

Rhonda Rhea is a humor columnist, radio personality, and author of 8 books, most recently How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take to Change a Person? from New Hope Publishers. She lives in the St. Louis area but enjoys traveling to every corner of the nation speaking at all kinds of conferences and events. Rhonda says her favorite and most adventurous roles are as wife to Richie Rhea, senior pastor of Troy First Baptist Church, and as mom to her 5 nearly grown children.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Other Scripture indicated taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

 

0 Categories : Articles
Dec
19

Celebrating Christmas in a World of Need: WMU’s International Initiatives Partners

by newhope

by Kristy Carr

Many of us are frantically scurrying around during these busy December days. Sometimes we don’t know whether we are coming or going. We tell ourselves every year that this year it will be different.

Well, is it different for you this year? When our focus is on Christ and celebrating His birth, we find perspective. Seek Him and you will find Him.

Through WMU’s International Initiativessm we have the privilege of partnering with incredible national Christians and others who celebrate and share about the birth of our Savior in the countries in which they serve. WMU® is the parent company of New Hope Publishers.

Global Resource Services (GRS)

Global Resource Services continues to identify and meet humanitarian needs in the Democratic People’s Republicof Korea(DPRK or North Korea). There are significant numbers of communities who lack access to safe and clean drinking water. WMU’s Pure Water, Pure Lovesm has provided funding for 4 water distribution systems in the Haepo community. These systems provide water for the soy factory, swine farm, health clinic, and nearby villages. More than 100,000 people now have a clean water source. A new project in North Korea is now helping to feed malnourished children.

Arab Woman Today (AWT)

One of the vital ministries of AWT is the radio broadcast. Although many Arab women are highly educated, there are also quite a few Arab women who are illiterate. Many others have no direct access to the Internet. Therefore, books, magazines, and the Internet are empty avenues for them.

To overcome these barriers, and also to provide the opportunity for all women to receive God’s Word in their own place, AWT Ministries broadcasts twice a week on Trans World Radio (TWR). Woman Today is a 15-minute radio program, which is picked up by listeners throughout the Middle East andNorth Africa. Social, spiritual, and psychological topics are discussed on the program, which is built around themes relevant to the daily lives and needs of Arab women.

Moldova: Beginning of Life

Human trafficking is rampant in parts of Moldova. Beginning of Life (BOL) is a ministry, located in Kishnev, Moldova, that reaches out to minister to the needs of hurting women and children. Started as a ministry to women considering abortion, their work has now grown to include actively supporting women escaping human trafficking, providing care to pregnant women with AIDS, and serving in the local schools to educate children on the dangers of trafficking.

Kristy Carr is a ministry consultant for National WMU. More resources regarding International Initiatives, including information about other partners and opportunities, are available here. A flyer is also available.

0 Categories : Articles
Dec
16

Family Lesson in Giving Makes Lasting Impression

by newhope

This is the tenth in a series of articles from New Hope authors this month on the theme Celebrating Christmas in a World of Need.

by Lorie L. Keene

The Christmas season is always very exciting for me. I admit that I love all of the lights, decorations, and foods associated with this time of year.

However, beyond favorite presents and memories of family celebrations, one Christmas stands out in my memory.

When I was about 10 years old my parents adopted a local family for Christmas. I did not fully understand what that meant at first, but as they allowed me to participate in the purchasing of gifts and preparing items for the couple’s children, I began to see a clearer picture of what it means to give.

I will never forget that chilly Christmas Eve night when my parents bundled me up and allowed me to ride with them to the family’s home. We knocked on the door and were greeted by a precious woman who seemed so happy to see us.

I saw their home through my 10-year-old eyes and was in shock. I had just left a house with a huge decorated tree and lots of gifts already underneath. What I encountered there, however, was a bare living room with what I can only describe as a Charlie Brown Christmas tree struggling to stand up in the corner. Unlike my own, it was mostly bare and sheltered no gifts.

My parents and I placed our presents under the tree, prayed with her, and left. My mom used that night to remind me that Christmas is not about what I get, but is instead about how I can give to others in the name of Jesus.

Because of that experience, and because of my own faith convictions, I prayerfully try to keep my eyes open for people in my church or community who could use a gift of love, especially around the holidays. It may be inviting a newly widowed lady to my home. Or, perhaps, it is an envelope of money lovingly placed on the dash of a church member’s car during the service.

The Lord will direct our hearts to the needs of His children. We need only to ask.

‘“It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”—Acts 20:35 (ESV)

Lorie L. Keene is the author of Pull Up a Chair: You, Me, and the Gospel of John. She holds a master of divinity degree in Christian education/women’s ministries and a ThM (master of theology) from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Lorie and her family live in Tennessee.

All Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

0 Categories : Articles
Dec
16

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Refreshes the Soul

by newhope

This is the ninth in a series of articles from New Hope authors this month on the theme Celebrating Christmas in a World of Need.

by Angie Quantrell

Just 30 minutes.

This year, as in many years past, our family plans to begin Christmas festivities with a Christmas Eve candlelight service. As pastor, wife, and family, we have started candlelight services in each church where we have served. Not only is the time special, expectant, hushed, and joyful, it also sets the tone for young and old alike—Christmas is the birthday remembrance and celebration of our King.

In a world where excesses abound and many people focus on indulging their “wants,” our family has found this peaceful reminder helpful to keep us thinking about Jesus. It’s just a small step, but over the years, we have invited countless families, friends, church members, and guests to join us in contemplating the birth of the Savior in story, song, and fellowship. All in attendance are welcomed with open arms, receiving a gift of love and truth for a world that needs both.

Of course, our Christmas Eve candlelight service is not a heavy time, but a joyful, uncomplicated occasion. Often, the simple message, decorations, Christmas music, and loving greetings embrace those who need it most.

Thoughts of a dark world without light give way as candles light candles, and the Christmas Eve gathering transforms into a room filled with light. Christmas carols sound best when sung by candlelight. The reflection of candlelight in each face has pointed our hearts to Him, the One who loves us so much that He came to be the Light.

What is 30 minutes? A half hour of quiet, calm, and remembering can make a big difference in the midst of all the Christmas hoopla.

Our children expect it, our hearts embrace it, our King delights in it. It’s what we do. We share the Light.

Angie Quantrell is currently teaching kindergarten at Harrah Community Christian School on the Yakama Indian Reservation in Washington. She is the author of resources for both adults and preschooolers. Her work includes Families on Mission and the 4-book “I Can” series (I Can Pray, I Can Give, I Can Do It!, and I Can Be More Like Jesus). 

Angie lives in the Yakima Valley of central Washington with her husband, Pastor Kevin. She loves life and growing closer to Jesus every day.

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