Christmas blessings

We wish you all a blessed Christmas, and a healthy and happy New Year. This is a good time of year to think about the birth of the saviour of the world. We don’t know when Jesus was born, but any time is a good time to reflect on the life of this remarkable person. Our society encourages us to show our love by spending many dollars, whether or not we can afford it. Why not try to express your love to your family and friends in other ways this year? Do something special for them, bake delicious food, visit the lonely, reach out to the needy. Use this Christmas to make a difference in the lives of others. After all, Jesus spent his whole life in service. Let’s copy his example.

The New Life class

Join us on Sundays from 11.30-12.30.

December 7 – A meaningful relationship with God
December 14 – Old Testament prophecies of Jesus
December 21 – Video
December 28 – A change is going to come (the kingdom of God)

Video – Sunday December 21

Mary Magdalene acts as both narrator and participant in “Magdalena: Released from Shame”, as she traces through the story of lives that have come into contact with Jesus, and have been powerfully released from shame. After following Jesus for three years, she witnessed changed lives, miracles, and the results of restored hope. Join us at 11.30am on Sunday December 21 to watch this film of hope.

All plans in this newsletter will take place if God is willing!

Christmas service

Our Christmas service for this year is planned for Christmas Eve. Relax and share time with others who want to think about the birth of Jesus, and the hope that he brought to the world. Join in with the singing or just sit back and listen. What a refreshing lead up to Christmas Day.

December 24, 8pm – see you there!

Shop closed for three weeks

The Dandenong Bible Education Centre will close at 2pm on Christmas Eve and reopen at 10am on Monday January 19. During this time it will open as usual each Sunday.

Course information for term 1

Watch your letterbox in the middle of January for information about term 1 courses for next year. Don't forget to book in!

Christmas stock

Christmas cards and a variety of calendars are now available. At $2.25 the children’s calendars are a great buy. Fridge magnet calendars in various designs are available for $2.95. Larger calendars with attractive pictures are also for sale. Come and see for yourself. A wide range of perpetual calendars can be purchased, making a timeless gift. Other gift ideas include scripture keepers, notepaper, books, DVDs, Bible highlighters, jewellery and assorted stocking fillers for the kids. If you are really stuck for an idea, why not give a gift voucher?

The Difference

I got up early one morning
And rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish
That I didn’t have time to pray.
Problems just tumbled about me,
And heavier came each task.
“Why doesn’t God help me?” I wondered.
He answered, “You didn’t ask.”

I wanted to see joy and beauty
But the day toiled on, grey and bleak;
I wondered why God didn’t show me.
He said, “But you didn’t seek.”

I tried to come into God’s presence;
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
“My Child, you didn’t knock.”

I woke up early this morning, and
Paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish
That I had to take
Time to pray.

(Author unknown)

Jumbled Words for Christmas

Can you unjumble the letters below to find words about the birth of Jesus?

seujs
rohed
yabb
seemwin (2 words)
ragmen
hphredess
rats
legan
yarm
griniv
peshoj
shrict
helehmetb
ceepa
blesta
treznaha

Suggested Scripture Reading

Christmas is the ideal time to read about the birth of Jesus. Both Matthew and Luke told of the time when Jesus was young. In Matthew 1:18-25 and Matthew 2 we read of the birth of Jesus and the visit of the wise men, who brought this special baby three gifts – gold, frankincense and myrhh. What unusual gifts for a baby!

Luke 2:1-40 tells of the visit of the shepherds to the stable in Bethlehem where Jesus was born. The shepherds glorified and praised God for all the things they had heard and seen. It would have been lovely to visit with them! Why not read one or both of these accounts aloud with your family, your neighbours or your friends? If there are children present, ask them to act out the events – a great way to impress on their minds what really happened.