Christmas 2009 Christmas is here again.  We trust that you have all had a well earned break and enjoyed your summer. Now is the time to be feeling the joys (and frustrations) of Christmas.  All the buying of cards and presents, the exchanging of gifts gets to become more difficult as people seem to have so much today. As this wonderful Christmas season draws near, let us be mindful of people in other countries who may not have the same privileges as we do.   They do not have the good food we have, the clothes or a warm home like us.  We must reach out in prayer for them. CHRISTMAS.  What does Christmas really mean?  Laughter, tinsel, trees, presents or is there more to this time called Christmas?   CHRISTMAS.  Christ in us – the hope of glory.  EMMANUEL – God with us.  Where has the true meaning of Christmas gone?  At Christmas we trust that we never forget all that God has done for us through Jesus.  When we think of the poverty there was in the manger and the wealth we now have, it should make us truly thankful. There will be those suffering great sadness this year as they remember the loss of loved ones.  We pray that God will give them added strength to get through this time.  It is as we put our faith and trust in Him that He gives us strength to move on. As we think about the Baby in the manger, the Shepherds, the Wise Men, the Angels and all those involved at the birth of Christ, may we also make room in our hearts for Jesus, the Son of God. We pray that God’s blessing will be upon you all during Christmas and throughout the year to come. God Bless you all, Pastor Jack and June