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Senior Pastor

Letter to the Congregation

December 06, 2009

Greetings Brethren and Sistren!

Pastor Mark here. I hope this note finds you all blessed of God and enjoying the season that used to be called the "Christmas Season". Now it is just the "Holiday Season". Bah Humbug on that, says I. So here is my first challenge to you all. Let's make this season the Christ season. Let's talk more about Jesus birth, and the implications of Emmanuel, God with us, than we do about the trappings of the "holiday season". Can we do that?

Secondly, I want to challenge you to something else. I want to challenge you to read the following article by Christian Financial guru, Dave Ramsey, and consider carefully what he says about the rampant materialism of the holi…I mean the Christ season. Dave says,

No matter what your budget is this Christmas, remember to be thankful. Take a deep breath in the middle of all this craziness. You might have a lot. You might have a little. If you are driving a beater, be thankful for that beater. You would rather drive that than walk, wouldn't you? There is always something to be thankful for.

That's what contentment is all about. When you understand and really grasp contentment, it becomes easier to save money and invest. Stress slowly disappears. Budgeting is easier. Relationships improve. Be happy with what you have. More than three billion people, almost half the world, live on $2.50 a day. Sometimes we need a little perspective to become content with our current situation.

Without contentment, it's easy to be bitter and apathetic. Happiness is sold to us, especially during this time of year. We think if we can just get one more piece of stuff that "true" happiness will be right around the corner. We say things like, "I'll be happy when I get that house!" or "I'll be happy when I get that new car!" But happiness cannot be bought. Sure fun-in the form of a house, a car, a new LCD television-can be bought, but fun is temporary. True happiness, or contentment, is lasting.

You can get out of debt, save money, and get on a budget, but until you realize that stuff doesn't bring contentment, you will always feel stressed and unhappy. Contentment brings peace. And isn't this time of year about bringing "peace on earth and good will toward men"?

Remember what this deal is all about. It's not about trees, lights, gifts, baked hams, and shopping malls. It's about a little child who was born in a manger and grew up to die on a cross. It's about peace on earth and good will toward men. So if the Christmas frenzy is wearing you out, you've missed the point of Christmas. Make a plan with your money, and make a plan to get back in touch with the true meaning of this special day.

You are invited to Dave's Give Like No One Else Christmas at DaveRamsey.com. Daily giveaways and great articles will make you want to check back every day to see what's new.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Watch for more financial management tips from Dave Ramsey and other resources as we head into the New Year. Meanwhile, consider how much more you can give than receive during this special time of year when the focus really should be on what God has given for us. "For unto us, a son is born; unto us a child is given." Isaiah 9:6      Have a Blessed Christ Season!

Pastor Mark