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Christ's Birthday Observance 2012
A Child is Born

Scripture: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV

When a child is born, there is much hope. The new baby has a lifetime ahead of her. She could become anyone and do anything. There is nothing but excitement at what the future holds.

Two thousand years ago, a baby was born. This baby was born without the fanfare with which many new children are greeted. Instead, this baby was born into a humble family amidst modest surroundings. This baby, however, was the hope of the world. This baby embodied the roles of Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Most of all, the baby was the Messiah, the savior, the one through which the world would be reconciled to God.

As we enter the 2012 season of Advent, let us remember the tiny baby that brought much hope to a world need. Let us remember that hope can still be found in Jesus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Christ’s Birthday Observance?
A: The Christ’s Birthday Observance is a tool to help your church begin the journey of Advent with prayer, devotion, and celebration.

Q: Why should our church participate in the Christ’s Birthday Observance?
The Christ’s Birthday Observance brings focus upon Christ during a season which is filled commercialism.  Since 1949 the Church of God around the world has focused on the birth of Jesus through devotion, prayer, and by giving generously to the Christ’s Birthday Offering. Join churches around the world as we share the great story of Christ’s birth to the world!

Q: How can my church get involved?
A: 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.

CBO Offerings Allocations

Christ's Birthday Observance Offerings are allocated two ways:

80% allocated to the Church of God World Ministries, funding programs such as:
  • CBH radio broadcasts in multiple languages
  • congregational health and growth initiatives
  • leadership development
  • communications and publishing of church school curriculum, Communion, and additional publishing resources
  • National Prayer Ministry
  • major events including the North American Convention and the International Youth Convention
  • family ministries to children, youth, and adults
  • Global Missions outreach and support services in 87 countries
  • disaster and relief response efforts
  • multicultural ministries
  • The Board of Pensions
  • Church of God colleges and universities (Anderson University and School of Theology, Mid-America Christian University, Warner Pacific College, and Warner Southern University).

20% allocated to Christian Women Connection, funding:
  • International women's ministries
  • Training and leadership development
  • Printed resources and materials in both English and Spanish
  • Scholarship and internships
  • In Service Training Institute
  • Young women's ministries
  • Worldwide projects.

A Look Back

The December 23, 1950 Gospel Trumpet recorded the words of the Woman's Missionary Society President, Ocie Perry:

"For some time there has been a feeling on the part of many Christians that the Christmas festivities were not Christ-centered. . .we have forgotten the Christ whose birthday we were celebrating."

The women, in cooperation with Church of God World Service, pledged themselves to underwrite the World Service budget for 200 hours with prayer and money in the first year of the Christ's Birthday Observance.

Sixty years later, Christian Women Connection carries on the work of the former Woman's Missionary Society in developing, promoting, and conducting the Christ's Birthday Observance.

Today, our goals remain the same:
  • Focus our attention and devotion on Jesus Christ, our Messiah.
  • Encourage prayer support for the entire world and specifically all the countries in which the Church of God exists.
  • Collect an offering in support of the Church of God World Ministries Budget.
Churches and individuals across the country participate in this offering of prayer, devotion, and financial support each year. If you would like to participate, you too can pray for and support the ministry of the Church of God around the world.