MESSAGE FROM PETER

I suppose it's a bit late to think about forming a Christmas list.  I do know of one young man who began formulating his list last April. No sense leaving things until the last minute!

A friend of mine has challenged me because she begins her Christmas list in January. However, her list is different because it is not a wish list for what she would like but rather, it is a list of names and appropriate gifts that she can give to them. My friend has seriously challenged my thoughts about Christmas in particular and life in general. To be a generous giver!

ACTS.20:35 ...remember the words of The Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

But why is it more blessed to give than to receive? Simply that when we are generous givers we are being imitators of God (EPH.5:1) who, because of his great love for us all, gave his only begotten Son to save everyone who believes on him. JN.3:16.

Over the years I have been amazed at the generosity of New Life Church as need after need has been met for people both locally and internationally, displaying the nature of the God whom we serve. Wonderful! Let's keep it up because The Lord himself will repay us! PR.19:17.
 

Perhaps this coming year you might have a different Christmas list like my friend's. However, your gift need not be money or presents. Nor is it limited to Christmas. How about visiting

someone, spending time to listen to a friend? How about giving someone a word of encouragement or going to pray for a person who may be ill? How about sharing communion with another Christian or doing some shopping for someone? The possibilities are endless.

 Celebrate the greatest giver of all ..... Jesus Christ, who gave his life a ransom for many.

With lots of love to all,

Peter.