Central United Methodist Church
	Lewis Street at Beverley
	Staunton VA
	Founded in 1797
	Rev. David D. Reed, Pastor

 

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December 2003 (Note: there are two messages this month, both below)

God With Us

The Christmas story is often told in different ways. Those of us charged with telling the story are always looking for another way to emphasize the wondrous truth that God became flesh and lived among us. That God the Creator would be willing to become a creature is beyond what our minds can adequately comprehend. It is also true that every new way we tell the story is limited and leaves out important aspects.

Yet, the story of Jesus is so compelling and life transforming that any way the story can be hinted at can help us grasp its wonder. So, here is another way to hear the story:

Sir William Lawrence Bragg, at age twenty-five, was the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Prize in physics. He was also an avid amateur gardener. When he moved to London, he left behind the beautiful garden he'd spent so many years perfecting. Living in an apartment made him unhappy. So, one day, he dressed up in old gardening clothes and found a house whose garden tempted him. He rang the door bell and respectfully introduced himself to the woman as "Willie." He claimed to be a gardener with one free afternoon each week. His employer found Willie to be an absolute treasure. Until, alas, one day, a visitor looked out her window and gasped: "What is Sir Lawrence Bragg doing in your garden?"

 

Similarly, we might ask: "What is God doing in that stable in Bethlehem?"

(From PERCEPTIONS, A Registered Trademark of Durham, Inc., Copyright 2003)

The marvel of God in the stable is so great that we can only rejoice that the story is true.

Perhaps you have seen the old cartoon that shows a man holding a sign that reads: "Prepare--The End Is Coming." That sentiment fits the experience of this time of the year. It's a nonstop sprint as we prepare for Thanksgiving, Christmas and then the New Year. What a wonderful yet demanding burst of activity!

For Central United Methodist Church the approaching end of the year brings a glad expression of praise for the marvelous ways God has blessed us. Our fellowship is increasing in both depth and breadth. Our experience of God's love has been made deeper and wider as we have been moved to express the richness of the Holy Spirit in making us one. We would be most ungrateful should we fail to acknowledge the many ways God has blessed us.

Yet, the rich fellowship of God's love is not for us alone. We have neighbors, some close and some far away, who need to be touched by the gift of God's loving presence. As United Methodists we are a worldwide Church. Truly the sun never sets on the work of God through the people called Methodist. We are privileged to offer to neighbors, near and far, the same love and care that God has shown us. Any less concern for our neighbors whom we have not seen is unacceptable to a United Methodist Christian. We knhow what God has done for us through Christ and we are compelled by love to offer Christ to every child of God.

 As we prepare for the holidays and the many demands these special days put upon us, let us each be deeply concerned for the worldwide work of God. Prayerfully consider how, by our giving, we can offer the gift of Christ to all our neighbors so that no child of God is left without the hope of Christ. Let's make a sacrificial financial gift to the work of the Church this Christmas. The information included in this newsletter will tell you what Central is doing through our worldwide connection. Become informehd then become a cheerful sharer of God's love.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas you will be given the opportunity to make a love offering. All gifts marked for "Christmas Offering" will go to this worldwide Christian outreach. Be as generous in love as God has been with each of us, be cheerful that God has given us the means to share with others, be blessed to know that in giving to others we are giving to God.

Merry Christmas,

David