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I've heard many people say that Christmas isn't about what we get, it's about what we give. That is a nice thought to teach children who are obsessed with their Christmas list, but I'm not sure it's true!

Many of us love to give gifts. It is amazing to watch the face of a loved one when they open something that was picked out just for them. There is certainly something special about giving gifts.

But it is also really special when we get to open a gift for us that demonstrates the giver knew us, thought about us, and cared enough to give us a gift that was exactly what we needed or wanted . . . even if we didn't know it yet! The gift is great, but it is what the gift represents that is so special.

In many ways Christmas is about getting, not just giving. For humanity, the first Christmas was not about giving gifts. It was all about what we received . . . a saviour. For us today Christmas is still about receiving the gift of a loving God who knows us, thought about us, and cared enough to send us a gift which was exactly what we needed.

So give with joy this Christmas. And receive with joy this Christmas. Our joyful celebrations together with family and friends are a taste of God's kingdom come to earth. And in the midst of it all, let us remember that the ultimate joy is in receiving the gift of a life with God through Jesus and sharing that connection with others.

Merry Christmas!!

P.S. There won't be a Covenant Weekly next week. Our office will be closed for Christmas Holidays. May we all remain aware of God's presence as we celebrate throughout this holiday season.

Holiday Service Schedule

  • Christmas Eve (Saturday, Dec. 24) @ 4 & 5:30 pm - services with carols and candlelight
  • Christmas Morning (Dec. 25) @ 11 am - casual service with caroling (bring your instruments if you want to play along with the singing!) and a message by Wilfried Hahn
  • New Years Day (Jan. 1) @ 11 am - a prayer and praise service with communion to start 2017