How busy this time of year seems to be for us all. With Thanksgiving past it seems as though Christmas is upon us almost immediately. I know for many of our churches the Christmas season is a very busy time. A number of our churches are doing walks through Bethlehem or live nativity scenes. Also, special musical programs are taking place in a number of churches throughout the Conference. I think it is very appropriate that we use this time of year to remind our communities what the Christmas season is truly about.

I think of the words of Ellen White who said:
"As the twenty-fifth of December is observed to commemorate the birth of Christ, as the children have been instructed by precept and example that this was indeed a day of gladness and rejoicing, you will find it a difficult matter to pass over this period without giving it some attention. It can be made to serve a very good purpose." Adventist Home p. 478 What a good thing it is when the church has this global opportunity to remind the world that Jesus was born, lived and died that we might have redemption from our sins.

As I travel throughout North and South Carolina I never cease to be amazed as I pass by a shopping center the number of cars and snarls of traffic that I encounter this time of year. It is a special time when we are able to give gifts to our family. Sometimes I have been asked if I thought it appropriate for us to give gifts to one another at this time of year. Again, I think of the counsel of the Spirit of Prophecy:
"The holiday season is fast approaching with its interchange of gifts, and old and young are intently studying what they can bestow upon their friends as a token of affectionate remembrance. It is pleasant to receive a gift, however, small, from those we love. It is an assurance that we are not forgotten, and seems to bind us to them a little closer...It is right to bestow upon one another tokens of love and remembrance if we do not in this forget God, our best friend. We should make our gifts such as will prove a real benefit to the receiver. I would recommend such books as will be an aid in understanding the word of God or that will increase our love for its precepts. Provide something to be read during these long winter evenings." Adventist Home p. 479.

As we enjoy the Christmas season I hope we each will remember in our own hearts what Jesus has done for us and what He means to us personally. Also, I hope that as we make out our gift list we will put Him at the top of our list for a special gift at this time of the year.

I know many of you will be traveling during the coming weeks. Please know that all of you are in my prayers for safety and God's blessing. What a beautiful thing it is to be part of God's church and to realize that we serve a God who was willing to leave the splendors of heaven to come and be born in a simple manger. As I reflect upon this I can only say, 'what manner of love is this..? May God bless you every one.

Your friend,
Jim