Christ's Birthday Observance 2018 Great Joy For All By: Shelly Short
Scripture: Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
Advent is a time for adoring Jesus, waiting, watching and having hopeful expectations. We remember the first coming of Jesus, we celebrate His presence among us, and we pray for His glorious return. One of the ways Christian Women Connection helps you to keep Jesus at the center of the Christmas Season is by offering a meditation journal and prayer guide. Dive into His living Word each day and come away with something to feed your joy. We live in tumultuous times filled with uncertainties. As we celebrate Christ’s birthday, remember He is our source of living water and can quench all our concerns. The birth of Jesus was not an easy journey for Mary. As I recall the birth of our son, I remember the uncertainty along the way. I miscarried our first child. After this, I desired to learn more about Christ and began praying for a friend who could offer me the living water of Christ. I did indeed meet a friend at a fitness center who invited my husband and me to her church. One day, I felt moved to respond to the pastor’s message, but was hesitant. My friend turned to me and asked if I would like her to accompany me to the altar. We both knelt at the altar, and I received Christ as my Savior. At this time, I was pregnant for the second time and was told I would need surgery to remove a cyst. That day, we not only prayed for my salvation, we asked Jesus to restore me, and He did. This brought us great joy to know Christ saved me and made me whole at the same time. There are times that our prayers seem like a dry, empty well when we do not see an answer. The most significant miracle of all is the birth of Christ and the gift of salvation. Our well never runs dry of the living water given by Jesus Christ from whom eternal life, and great joy is bestowed upon all. Offer the gift of Jesus Christ this season to those who are thirsty and they will thirst no more.
What is the Christ’s Birthday Observance? The Christ’s Birthday Observance is a tool to help your church begin the journey of Advent with prayer, devotion, and celebration.
Why should our church participate in the Christ’s Birthday Observance? • Focus on the good news and great joy of Christ’s birth this Advent season. (which is often overtaken by commercialism). • The Observance originated in 1949 and continues to be one way Church of God congregations come together for the benefit of the Kingdom. • The Observance offers a devotion and prayer guide for your congregation, friends, and family. • Christ’s Birthday Observance offers an opportunity to give to the combined ministry efforts of the Church of God in the largest offering in the Church of God. • How can my church get involved?
Every church can participate in this journey by using Advent resources, participating in Project Prayer, and by giving to the Christ’s Birthday Observance Offering. Each year your church will be sent a resource packet to help in the celebration. For more information, go to www.christianwomenconnection.org or call 866-778-0804.
