2017 Worship Guide

2017 WORSHIP GUIDE Wednesday, December 6, 2017 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS PUBLICATION Page 19 Christmas Season JeffStreet Michael Mallick W hat do those words conjure up in your mind? A tree. Now the choices: real or artificial? With the former: short needles or long needles? Tall or short? And don’t forget about the mess: sap, fallen needles, bare spots. Consider an artificial tree: Massive or pencil style? Plain or flocked? On the plus side this one will last for years, less mess, symmetrical; but alas no fresh pine aroma permeating the house. Gifts. Is there enough money? Oh no—is that the same thing we got Grandpa last year? Did we spend evenly for each kid? When will we have time to wrap them? Where can we hide them? What about stocking stuffers? Celebrating. How do we spend time with both sides of the family? Should we open gifts Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? How many Christmas “events” can our schedules/budget handle? Is there time for holiday baking? How do we create a Christmas tradition of our own? Is it any wonder American sociologists call the Christmas Season the most stressful time of year? We seem to be in a hurry to do everything bigger and better than: last year. . . or our neighbors. . . or just because we can. Why do Americans run pell-mell into this “joyous” season, jeopardizing health and happiness? Speaking of jeopardizing, let’s play a little “Jeopardy” right now: Answer: December 25 Question: What is the day we traditionally celebrate Christmas? Answer: Give gifts Question: What is one way to celebrate special occasions? Answer: Jesus. Question: Who do we celebrate at Christmas? Thank You, Heavenly Father, thank You for the tree: the one for His manger bed and the one that became His cross. Thank You for sending us the ultimate gift: Your only Son. Thank You for making a way and celebrating it with us. Michael Mallick JeffStreet Christian Church