Merry Christmas

Well here it is the holiday season once more and this is the newsletter in which I’m supposed to complain about all the commercialism in Christmas. This is the newsletter in which I am supposed to complain about how everyone is taking Christ out of Christmas, and how America is going downhill on the fast track to hell. 

It is true however that Christmas is an overlooked holiday in the sense that we overlook its true meaning. The main emphasis in our country is about making money, it’s about holiday cheer, and about everyone having a good time rather than seeking salvation in the Christ child.
 
In our minds we imagine there was a time in which everyone worshiped Christ on Christmas and where the Church stood as the beacon of light to shine His truth on the nations. The sad truth however is that there has never been a time in history where the whole world worshiped the Savior, where all families had a jolly time together. There has never been a time in history where Christmas was a joyful time for all people and the Christ child was held in high esteem as God.
 
In truth when we look out today and see all the commercialism and how Christ is no longer the main emphasis of the season what we are seeing is what has always been. When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden we were immediately set on a course of destruction. We were immediately set on the path of sinfulness and in need of a Savior.
 
The point I am coming to is this; the world does not know Jesus Christ is the Savior, but you do. The world cannot recognize Him as the Lord Almighty, but you do. You know who He is, what He’s done, and what He continues to do. You know that He was born of a virgin, in a manger. That shepherds keeping watch by night were visited by the angels. You know that the Wise men traveled far to see Him and how King Herod schemed to kill Him. You know that He was sent to Egypt until it was safe to return. You know how Simeon held Him in his arms in the Temple and prophesied that He was for the rising and falling of many, how He was the light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of His people Israel. 

You know that He lived and taught, healed and performed miracles. That He walked on water, raised Lazarus from the dead, fed the 5000 and others. That He took our sins upon Himself and placed them in His own body which was nailed upon the cross for the salvation of mankind. You know that He rose again the third day overcoming sin, death and the devil and that by believing in Him you too have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
 
The problem is, the rest of the world doesn’t have a clue. They don’t know why we celebrate Christmas, they don’t know why we place a nativity scene in our front yard, they don’t know why we exchange gifts. All they know is it’s a good time for a party to eat, drink and be merry. 

To the world the whole point of Christmas is about getting gifts. Therefore, this Christmas we can give the world the greatest gift ever. We can take all this information we have, and pass it on for everyone to hear. We can fill them in with the most fulfilling gift ever known. That Christmas is about a gift. The gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who came to this world to bring us peace with an angry God. To appease His wrath, to give us the forgiveness of all our sins and to provide us with eternal life. Where we know can refer to God as Abba Father. Only in His eternal kingdom can anyone ever truly eat, drink and be merry because there we are fed by the Lord Jesus Christ from the Tree of Life for ever and ever. Come Lord Jesus, come quickly and Merry Christmas. Amen.

Greeters for church: Nov 13—Dianna, Michelle and Verna Lee
Nov 20—Dot, Verlinda and Ann
Nov 27—Jeanette, Lindsay and Felicia

The Ruth Circle met Mon., Nov 7th at 12 noon for their regular monthly meeting. Shirley called the meeting to order and led the group in the common table prayer. 23 members were present.
Hostesses were Barbara Kletke and Pat Kletke.

Jane gave the devotion, “Speak with Loving Kindness” and closed with a prayer.

Joys and concerns were mentioned.

Maurice Oestmann, Jason Kletke and Jordan (Rowdy Ranger) are to be given “Thank You” mints.

Minutes of the Oct. 3, 2005 meeting and special meeting of Oct. 17, 2005 meeting were read and approved.

Tara and Jonathan Warwick, thanked Ruth Circle for hosting a baby shower for the arrival of their son, and presented a silver tray as a thank-you gift.

A special thank-you was extended to Ernie Otte, Ruby Hughes and Jeanette Kremeier for decorating the float for NWOSU Homecoming.

Shirley appointed Pat, Brenda and Lou to the nominating committee.

Jane Hartwig moved we purchase plastic storage containers and store extra dishes, as needed space is needed in the kitchen. Seconded and carried. Decorate the church for Christmas—Nov. 21st at 6 p.m. Ann, Janis and Jeanette volunteered to be in charge of supper. Church members are urged and welcomed to help members in decorating.

Christmas Angels—ReJeana moved we purchase 2 Christmas Angels at $25.00 each. Seconded and carried. Ann will purchase the gifts.

Chicken Noodle Supper was a huge success. The Chicken Noodle committee reported 1038 people were served. Next Chicken Noodle Supper will be held Oct. 30, 2006 at the Merchant’s Building. Many complimentary remarks were made as to the good noodles, decorations, etc. Jason Kletke was given a special thank-you for bringing a power washer to wash the cookers. Decorations used are being stored at Hartwig building.

Banner Committee: Nadine says they’re still working on one banner—family injury and illness have conflicted with working on it.

Flower Committee: Sunday, Oct 9th was LWML Sunday.

Recorder Committee: Mrs. Wiechman fell and hurt her leg.

World Relief: Everything is on the way.

District Convention: Food Committee needs to get together. Denise has rooms booked for those who are going.

The Zone Rally was attended by Dianna, Felicia, Beth and Pastor Bersche at Lahoma. Dianna led the Bible Study.

Lavon presented a wonderful program about Autumn colors and being a witness of God. She even handed out tiny wooden Bibles. Then we had Mite Box Dedication. Dianna told us that LWML in Oklahoma has already met Mite Box goals for the year.