Christmas what is it about??

I recently read an article in a RD magazine titled 'Christmas Poll - What we love and hate'. I must say that I was saddened by what I read.
Readers Digest asked Australians to vote for the activities they treasure, those that have lost their shine and new traditions introduced into the annual routine.
The highest percentage of people said that at Christmas the thing they cherish most is time with family(80%), followed closely by eating(73%).
The part that saddened me most was the list titled 'Things we've abandoned' with one of the top three things being going to church; it has been classified as a time hungry activity and gets a big thumbs down.

The true meaning of Christmas has been lost. Why do we celebreate Christmas?? Isn't to celebrate the birth of Jesus; the coming of God's one and only Son, our Saviour; who would die a criminals death on the cross, so that the whole world could be in a relationship with God again?! That is what I believe Christmas is about, that is what we are meant celebrate at Christmas.
Jesus the Son of God born as a man.

If you think other wise please feel free to have your say, but do accept a response.

Joy to the world the Lord is come...

tat - two

You know people say that tattoos are addictive and I am proof of that, I went under the needle again, to get Ichthus on my upper arm today.
For those who don't know Ichthus is greek for fish, it also refers to a symbol consisting of two intersecting arcs resembling the profile of a fish, used by early Christians as a secret symbol and is now known colloquially as the "Jesus fish", commonly seen on cars.
Ichthus or ΙΧΘΥΣ, is also an acrynom to "Jesus Christ God's Son is Saviour." Here ends todays lesson...

Names...

How important are names?? I think that it is time to re-name my (St Matts Youth) youth group!!!
It has been called Friday Night Live (FNL said fast sounds like your are swearing) for about 12 years now, I think that it is time for a change.
If anyone has any suggestions to a name that is catchy and has some meaning please post it here...
Words in different languages, that mean youth or discipleship...Something, anything is appreciated!!

Joy in Ministry

Have you ever thought about Joy in Ministry; I'm not talking about the lady named Joy who sets up morning tea every Sunday morning. What I am talking about is the joy that you can have in ministry; a sustained joy in the good and trying times of ministry.
I have recently been reminded of this Joy in ministry and I want to share with you three points that I found helpful. This reminder is found in Luke 10:17-24
1/ Remember what God has done for us already; (V20) remember the grace and mercy God has already shown you, 'rejoice that your names are written in Heaven'
2/ Know that in minisrty (and our Xn life) we have to be totally 100% dependant on God (V21), we are to be willing and humble to be involved in Jesus mission. We are to be like little children who are totally dependant on their parents who provide them with everything.
3/(V23-24) Because we live this side of the cross, we are privileged to know Jesus in a way that those in the OT could have only dreamed of. What a privilege that is, To personally know the Lord and God of this entire universe.

So how do we find Joy in Ministry, well we remember all that God has done for us and we look forward to what is ahead.

"...rejoice that your names are written in Heaven."

Psalm 100

Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the Lord, all th earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Reflections...

The above photos are from a mission trip that I went on to Taiwan (3 years ago). It has to have been some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. Again I pose the question how can people look at the intricacies of creation and not see the work of a loving Creator...
Romans 1:20

Its wheelie bin a while

Well it has been a long time since I last posted anything on this blog, so what has been happening I hear you ask??
Well if you recall I said I was contracted to build a giant rat head for a costume, I have finished that...yay, I have put up a pic of in its foam unfinished form.
In the holidays I had the privelage of speaking on a Cru Camp called Adrenalin Action. It was an awesome week and God did great things, hearts were changed and kids came to trust in the Lord as their God and King...awesome...
Well what is next in the sometimes exciting life of Dave...I have a few things in mind... one of which is too turn 2W2L into a stop motion animation. So we shall see how that turns out...