Let’s Give it Away!

            Yesterday, our Children’s Director, Beth Christian and I had the chance to visit our WUMC Preschool and lead chapel for the little ones.  It is one of the highlights of working at Woodlake Church.  There is nothing like being around fifty children to lift your spirits (of course we get to leave when we are done….)

          Beth asked all the children what they wanted for Christmas, and there was a resounding response.  Nearly every child could name a specific present they were hoping for.  Then, Beth asked them what their parents wanted for Christmas.  As expected, there was not quite as much energy.  The notable exception was a four year old boy who excitedly exclaimed “My mom wants pots!”  All the female teachers laughed and rolled their eyes in the back of the room, while I was silently thinking that it is just proof that men are born with this…

          All of this was of course a lesson for our children about the challenge and importance of “Giving Christmas Away”.  As adults, we perhaps do a bit better but we can always use a reminder that Christmas is not about us. 

          And of course, this is why we are all so excited about what we will be doing tomorrow and Sunday.  Over six hundred of you will be moving out into the community to do mission, giving of ourselves and our time.  While our weekly worship must always lie at the center of what we do, I cannot help but imagine that our Lord is excited about the uniqueness of this weekend.  There will be smiles on many faces, hope in many hearts, and a spark of new life in places that haven’t seen it because of your willingness to give this Christmas away.

          Thank you in advance for your work!  Paul, Erin, and I look forward to seeing you briefly back in the sanctuary after you finish your service.  Until then, please join me in praying that the Spirit will multiply our efforts to create joy this weekend in the hearts that have struggled to find it. 

In Christ,

Pastor Pete