Ministry Updates

"God had come near.

He came, not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as one whose first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a sleepy carpenter. The hands that first held him were unmanicured, calloused, and dirty.

No silk. No ivory. No hype. No party. No hoopla.

Were it not for the shepherds, there would have been no reception. And were it not for a group of stargazers, there would have been no gifts."

(Max Lucado - "It Began In a Manger")

God broke into this world in a way that no one expected ...

The parking lots have doubled in traffic, the canned music has changed genres, stores are having blowout sales, there's the smell of pine needles wherever you go and out of town family is threatening to come visit.

It must be Christmastime!

Already, the time has come to shop, wrap, decorate, bake and enjoy this fun- filled and often super busy season - all while remembering that bright star in the night sky, the little baby in the manger and the most precious gift the Lord could ever send to us.

As you finalize your Christmas schedule, be sure to include ...

It's hard to believe that another year has gone by and Christmas is almost here again!          The shopping, the decorating, the parties . . . and, the holiday stress!   

Christmas doesn't have to be a stress-filled time.  Emilie Barnes says that if you plan ahead and organize your time you will enjoy the season more. 

Start by taking a calendar and marking off days for activities like decorating, baking, and entertaining.  This helps you to see if you're over-planning, which can be a big part of holiday stress. 

To make shopping easier, Emilie suggests shopping online, buying gift cards, or ...

This past week, a hurricane-like wind storm wreaked havoc in parts of LA County resulting in  . . .   

> downed power lines and exposed live wires resulting in loss of electricity

> toppled and uprooted trees

> closed roads, schools and businesses

This past week, I was reminded about the priority of family . . . 

> no school meant children were unrepentantly home for the day . . . time for pickup basketball games, walks in the neighborhood

> no electricity meant video and electronic games weren't options but board games were

> without electricity, it was dinner by candlelight without TV while we shared about our day

In the fullness of ...

Is it easier or harder to go "beyond the call" during the Christmas season?

Listeners of HCJB Global's 1:00 program, "Beyond the Call", will be hearing many inspirational stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.  In each feature, the story focuses on an individual who recognizes their "beyond the call" moment.  It's exactly the kind of reminder we need during this season as we encourage a spirit of giving.

As you prepare to inspire others to embrace this season of giving, take note of one example I found from HCJB Global.  You'll find in this story ...

Almost everyone faces worries at Christmas.  Parents might worry that their kids are too materialistic.  Widows may be spending their first season alone.  Singles might long for the Christmas they once imagined.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss addresses these concerns on upcoming "Revive Our Hearts^™" programs along with encouraging your listeners to be intentional about enjoying Christmas rather than getting caught up in the busyness that comes with this season.

With practical help, Nancy will encourage listeners to approach the holidays purposefully, creating meaningful traditions.

Nancy also shares a special series on "The Heart of Hospitality" teaching us how to make hospitality ...