Dear Family of Hope,
I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. The Magneson household definitely did, and I now
have a good supply of my favorite leftover, turkey. This month of December is even more special for me. Christmas
is my favorite season and holiday, and having Advent for four weeks beforehand is the perfect anticipation for the
joy of Christmas Eve. As Christmas grows even closer, I always think of the dilemma that we Americans get caught up
in this time of year, exchanging gifts. It brings to mind the true story of a great "giver".
He was born in 280 A.D. in what is now modern Turkey and died on December 343 A.D. a the age of 63. The
Church celebrates a festival in his honor every December 6th. While he was living, he was known far and wide for
his providing gifts and assistance to those who were in need and had nowhere to turn. He often gave these gifts
at night, so when people awoke, they would give thanks and glory to God for the gift that they had received.
He started this model of generous giving while he was a priest, then became a bishop, and finally was declared
a saint--St. Nicholas. As a priest and bishop, St Nicholas always "pointed people to Christ" and encouraged generous
giving toward those in need. While St. Nicholas has sometimes been used as a symbol for "getting" gifts, his real
spirit is symbolized by "giving", especially without any thought of receiving a gift in return or being thanked
and, best of all, anonymously.
So, for me, the experience of the true joy of Christmas is, first of all, the Christmas Eve Candlelight service
when I can look out at all of your kind, generous faces being lit by candlelight, reflecting God's love and "pointing to Christ".
Secondly, being able to give to those in need anonymously is what I look forward to this Christmas. So many of you do
the same thing each Christmas that it truly warms my heart and makes it such a blessing to serve with you in ministry.
Finally, may God bless us all with a truly blessed, giving Christmas and remember....
God loves you & so do we,
The Magnesons
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!!
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