Mike,
This year for Christmas the congregation of Hayesville First UMC is hosting a free Christmas lunch ON CHRISTMAS DAY - often the most lonely day of the year - for folks who do not have family and need a place to experience God's love. We figured what a better way to spend the day in which we celebrate the birth of the "one who came not to be served but to serve" than by serving our neighbors. Merry Christmas

Ever since going to your church, we do not put much authority on gifts as we have really enjoyed your way of thinking but even so, I also purchase a gift for my wife and this year is a Pandora Bracelet. Go search.

when i was married 10 yrs ago...all i wanted was time.
more time...i wanted my husband to spend more time with me...he just wanted to work...work..work....guess i should have realized he didnt want to spend time with me...thats why after 21 yrs we got divorced...
time is so precious...you should spend time with your loved ones....Merry Christmas to you and Caroline..

Mike:

Have you ever considered sitting down and writing her the most personal heartfelt letter of what she has meant to you and your children? Granted, you've complimented and commented about her in worship celebrations, but putting your thoughts and feelings on paper is a gift that so many people cherish forever. I know it might sound a bit corny, but ask anyone who has lost someone in their life, and they always cherish a personal, handwritten letter...it makes that person "live on" forever.

I know that as my mom's health has continued to deteriorate over the past year, I recently found myself keeping all the past birthday cards where she wrote, "Love, Mom." I even found myself getting a bit choked up as I went through them. Imagine my thrill if she would write me a letter...that would be more priceless than the most expensive gift she could give me. Her handwriting is easy to spot, and I know that someday soon, those short few words will be one of the lasting tangible things I will have left to remember her by.

You're a great speaker, and I bet an even better writer. Putting your feelings toward Carolyn on paper may end up being the best gift you ever gave her. And don't forget to write one to each of your children and to your grandchild.

You never know when you won't be a part of this earth or their lives.

Now...get writing!

a small "Day Spa" package wouldn't be bad either. And while she's enjoying relaxing, you could do a bit of housework. Do the stuff you've heard her say she doesn't particularly like doing. She'll come home relaxed to a tidy home, and maybe some of her favorite foods complete with a candle or two & maybe a gift that you know she would enjoy: mugs, small necklace, scented hand lotion for the dry weather or anything else you've seen her use regularly or enjoy wearing on a regular basis. That way she'll think of you even when you're not with her.
Now I know what to have someone tell my husband to get me. Great topic. Thanks Mike

Mike, I think that you have already given her the best gift. You made the decision years ago to invest in your marriage, you have always been a strong influence in your kids life.....look at their spouses. And although I have never seen you interact with Ellie, I have seen you interact with my guys and you are an awesome Poppa. All of those things mean more then anything you can put under a tree, and she gets to enjoy them everyday. I know thats what Bill does for me every year....priceless

The most precious gift I’ve received was a portrait of my two sons on Fathers Day. I get to see it everyday – gifts that keep giving are the best.
Try one of those mall massages; not bad for about twenty bucks – seriously!
My wife and I gave each other massage certificates last year from Harmony Farms. We haven’t used them yet. I suppose that’s why I end up at the mall…
We do keep it simple. This year, my wife picked out sea salt and pepper mills. That and a bottle of frankincense are about it this year. Enjoy Family!

Speaking as a wife and mother I think most of us like being pampered once in a while and would love to have someone tidy up around the house. I'm thinking...day spa and/or maid service!

Pastor Mike, thank you for your commitment to making disciples, even when seasonal attenders don't get it. Stay true to the Truth you proclaim.

This manifestation has roots in the evolution of our self centered society. We shouldn’t consider this as sad commentary but as a call for help. Thank you so much for the historical facts.
John 3:17 - For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through him.
The true test is do we believe as the scriptures say. If there ever was a litmus test, that would be it.
Merry Christmas!

I think you gave a wonderful explanation of why we have Darfur as part of the Christmas message and hope you will explain it during your message on Christmas eve so others will understand it too.

Sadly, I think many people write similar letters in their heads every day. Part of it is a mostly white, mostly American sense of ennui with Africa; people recall with weariness the apartheid crisis of South Africa, the famine of Ethiopia, the ethnic conflicts in Somalia and later in Rwanda. They flip on the news, see the atrocities in Darfur, and many of them say "here we go again," hardening their hearts against understanding these crises on a level that would compel compassionate action.

It's easy to shrug at abstract figures: hundreds of thousands of people displaced, hundreds of villages razed. It's harder to turn one's back on a single child, orphaned by murder. It's easy to deny the connection between the Chinese-manufactured toys we buy our children for Christmas and the Sudanese oil that powers China's burgeoning industrial class. It's harder to deny the connection between our indifference and the unchecked march of inhumanity and depravity.

No country offered refuge to the Jews of Poland in the late 1930's. With time, and with distance, we put the consequences of our own apathy out of our minds. This is exactly why I keep informed about the situation in Darfur, and this is exactly why I will spend Christmas Eve at Ginghamsburg.

I am a simple woman who has no doctorate degree or intials behind my name. The knowledge I have gained is from life experiences, and searching the source for my problems in the written Truth. I have been blessed with teachers, like yourself, that I listened to intently.
In the past you have been my teacher, but now I would like to teach you in the elementary truth's of God's word, that possibly you are not acquainted with.
Personally, I don't know the gentleman who wrote the letter to you last year. I don't know his true intentions for writing it. But I can relate to its message.I confess I am weary of the moral and spiritual decay of the world. I want to close my ears when you talk about the African atrocities, and the terrible acts of violence against innocent children and women of Darfur.
Do I have a selfish heart or do I grieve as Jesus does? Only I and I alone can answer that question. But you see, just as this gentleman, I will make a choice, I will discern from the spirit what is good and what is evil. And--for a day I will have thoughts and prayers that somehow God's will and purpose will come out of all the world's suffering.
I ask that if he has offended you, that you will be angry with me, too. Because I am the "chief of all sinners" and I do not want to convey a superior attitude over my Christian brother. The purpose of Christ's birth was to bring hope, salvation and forgiveness to all humanity, even our brother. Jesus loved all with no conditions.

Hi, Donna. My intent is not to criticize the man (I can identify with how he feels) but to point out how our tradition or understanding of the history of the Christmas event is so different and celebrated in such a sanitized way from what really happened. As Len Sweet points out in his Advent sermon called "Beware of Cute":

"'Crux' in Latin means cross. The crux of Christianity is the cross. And the cross isn¹t cute. The old Christian calendar had ways of resisting this cultural drift into cuteness. On 26 December, the church celebrated the martyrdom of Saint Stephen. On 28 December the death of the infants whom Herod killed was remembered. In other words, the Christmas story was part of a larger story that dealt with injustice, suffering and even death. The joy of Christmas wasn¹t a cute joy, but a joy that overcame obstacles and negatives."

I believe that we are called to focus at Christmas on the things that consume God’s heart, not make us feel comfortable. We are to work with Jesus in God’s saving purpose of reaching out to the least and the lost. The Darfurs of this world are messy. We must not cover our ears and eyes because God doesn’t.

Thank you for sharing your heart. Mike

When I heard the letter referred to last year as well as again this year, I didn't think it was because of a boredom with Africa or even a self-centerdness but rather it sounded to me as if there was a weariness in those words. The author just sounded tired. It's hard to always fight the fight and I kind of felt when Mike referred to that letter in church that maybe the author just wanted a break from such stark realities for awhile. To put his/her family first. To watch a Charlie Brown Christmas and bake cookies and all the ho ho ho's of the Christmas we have invented since the early nineteen hundreds. If that was the case, then I can relate. This life is hard and it's difficult enough for many, I don't blame the writer if that's what they felt. I don't think it means they were apathetic or even selfish. The problem is however, I beleive the bible warns us not to grow tired of doing good. Which is really easy to do. One Christmas it was exciting to discover if we could make a difference. The second Christmas knowing a difference was made the train was rolling. But after a while it's easy to grow complacent, to want nothing but to smell the cookies without guilt and the evergreen in the living room without feeling selfish. It doesn't mean that one doesn't feel for the people of Darfur. I think, and this is only my personal opinion mind you, that it's good to hear this letter again.

Christmas is fairly overdone in America and elsewhere primarily in the materialistic way. Initially it was a celebration of "Saturnalia". It was a plea to the sun god for the return of warm, much fertile weather. I am thankful that the previously pagan holiday was replaced with a celebration of Christ's birth even though many of the old traditions of Saturnalia continued along with the new celebration. It was a way to appease the Christians who were making a positive impact on Constantine while not angering the pagans who were still interested in keeping the pagan holiday.
Indeed an African Christmas is probably a more accurate representation of the climate of Christ's actual birth and circumstance.
Still, many are in touch with the true focus of the celebration of Christmas the "American way". It has just really gotten quite ridiculous with the decorations and spending. That's the issue. It's almost a necessity to completely extricate oneself from the traditional Christmas celebration because it is so influential to our spending in order to realize we shouldn't be spending as much as we do on nonessentials rather than on what God would have us to.
I enjoy buying some small items for family. It's a set time of year to give, but I suppose I should give on their own birthday instead of Jesus' birthday.
It's hard to give up traditions especially if it gives us comfort with memories of family.
When I get bogged down with compassion fatigue, I take a bit of time to watch a clean & innocent comedy that makes me smile & laugh & brings back the child in me for a while.

I wanted to say Christmas 09 was one of the best Christmas Eve services. In response to your posted comment in reference to tired of Sudan Christmas, I myself feel the same way. I have also heard this from others. You have a passion, and you work hard on this all year, which is great. You have done a wonderful job for Sudan. People all around know Ginghamsburg and Sudan. This year you brought your passion into the service, but also kept a more traditional service. The music was awesome, the story was awesome, and the service was awesome. It was nice to see you took into consideration others views regarding Sudan. I do attend all year not just Christmas Eve.
Thank you.

As a person who regularly buys filtered water for myself and my family, I am pained as I think of a resource that wouldn't require much effort from the world's governments to provide. So much it seems is more often than not a bandaid approach rather than more permanent & preventative measures.

It's so easy to take for granted such a simple basic need. My family is giving this year to the mission in Darfur. It's a worthwhile cause, and it's nice to be able to do contribute in some way.

I love that picture! Ellie is such a little peanut! :) Thanks for the reminder to be thankful as it's easy to get caught up in the day to day grind. I wish we could be celebrating with you all tomorrow, but am looking forward to time at christmas. I'm thankful to have been blessed with such a wonderful family, and parents who serve God all the time and lead by example. I love you!! Let's skype tomorrow! :)

I love that picture! Ellie is such a little peanut! :) Thanks for the reminder to be thankful as it's easy to get caught up in the day to day grind. I wish we could be celebrating with you all tomorrow, but am looking forward to time at christmas. I'm thankful to have been blessed with such a wonderful family, and parents who serve God all the time and lead by example. I love you!! Let's skype tomorrow! :)

I didn't think my son would be home for Thanksgiving (Army training) and it being a year since my daddy's passing, and my mom wanting to get away, back in July it was decided I would take mama to Savannah for the holiday. I flew to Atlanta to pick up my mom on Wednesday and I was hoping for a quiet flight but rather I sat next to a little girl named Kelly from Valdosta who flew to Dayton to bury her grandfather who just passed away from Pancreatic Cancer (same cancer as my daddy had) who they buried the weekend before (same weekend a year ago that daddys was buried) and she said she had been praying that God would give her someone to talk to. She didn't really like flying and she wanted to talk. We ended up talking and we cried together off and on and held hands (and I'm not naturally a warm person either) and just talked. Her grandfather and my father didn't know each other but had a lot in common, some things good, such as their love of fishing and some not so good such as they both went misdiagnosed for the first 3 months. But the biggest thing that shocked me, was she spoke about was in his final months, how her grandfather would wave his arms when he slept and told his loved ones he saw people and they were all waving at him, motioning at him to come. Telling him it was time. It was exactly, exactly what my daddy had experienced. It makes my hair stand up to think about it.

To all:
Great video.

Thank you. Please show the entire video in worship service.

dan

WOW!!!! we really don't understand how challenging it is to do this ministry do we? It actually looks like luxury compared to the people in the camps you have visited. But I am especially glad your accommodations are intended to provided security too. I agree w/ Dan, show it to everyone. This helps put it all into perspective for us and makes it so much more personal.