Pastor's Corner by Pastor Larry

December, 2005

Thanksgiving came and went. I hope that you had a great time getting together with family members who you haven’t seen for awhile or just hanging out with friends over a warm dinner. By the time you read this newsletter, “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” would have been in the past, but shopping no doubt will continue until Christmas Eve. While shopping helps economy, it must be done with sensibility.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused many houses to be destroyed, but in these few months, we have also heard a lot of amazing stories about homes and friendships being built because of this tribulation. There was an article in the newspaper last Sunday, entitled “What Makes A Place A Home,” about a few cars leaving New Orleans to go to different places, but on the way, some of the cars began to either break down or run out of gas. One Jeep left with twelve people enroute to Detroit. The report says, “They crammed inside that Jeep. They used every lap. They tried to sleep. They invented games to keep the kids occupied. None of them had brought more than a change of clothing.” They drove up to a Best Western Inn in Detroit. To make a long story short, the manager opened up his hotel for them. Their story got out, and in the next few days, the “refugees” were overwhelmed with clothing, money, gift certificates, gas cards, trips to ballgames, and church outings. The tremendous hurricane wind knocked them down, but it was human kindness that built them up to a new hope. Yes, there is rainbow after a great storm!

The hurricanes were in the summer, and now is winter. It is Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Maybe it is also a good time to think about our homes. What makes a place a home? Is it the structure that houses the three or four bedrooms? Is it the familiar landscape we are accustomed to seeing? Is it the kitchen where we can cook our Thanksgiving dinner? Or is it having someone or something to be thankful for? Home isn’t the decorations that make it warm and beautiful—it is the warmth of the people living inside, who have an attitude of gratitude to be members of their families. A warm home isn’t just to move up the dial on the thermostat; it is having love and care that radiate not only within the household, but to our relatives and friends who may not be as privileged as us.

It is estimated that Americans are going to spend an estimated $18 billion, just on “on-line” shopping this Christmas season. With the pressure of shopping for gifts during Christmas season, let us think also about those who have not the luxury. Giving to church is a duty, and giving to the needy is love that pleases God.

Before I sign off, I would like to remind all of us that we should remember Christmas isn’t really about giving gifts to other, though it is a good gesture. It is about receiving the Gift of Salvation from God. The Bible says, “ . . . the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23b) I wish all of you to having a safe, joyous and meaningful Christmas.

Pastor Larry