happy holidays

frost in york (taken on 12 dec)

my schedule has been quite packed (which is not a bad thing) since - in fact, before - i got back last sun, but then there's always some kind of work to be done anyway.

i made it back in time for the last 3 (out of 4) days of sky camp 2007. amidst all the fun and games, it was great to see how everyone has grown spiritually over the past 3 months. one body, many parts. the last worship service/ss/sky of 2007 this sun will be a fitting time to reflect on how God has brought all of us through a weird and wonderful year. on a personal note, 2007 has probably been the most significant year of my life (thus far) - intellectually, emotionally and spiritually.

i also enjoyed carolling with the rest of the kprbc carollers last sat and watching our Christmas musical yesterday. i pray that the lives of the people we were reaching out to would be touched by these events. some of the songs were really moving and i'm going to bring a few scores back to york with me.

finally, this Christmas was when lemuel got baptised. it's always nice to be back for Christmas and i'm glad i came back for Christmas this year, but it would be something new to experience Christmas overseas as well. maybe next year.

the calling: the greatest gift of our lives

As little children, we would dream of Christmas morn
Of all the gifts and toys we knew we'd find
But we never realised a baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives

We were the reason that He gave His life
We were the reason that He suffered and died
To a world that was lost He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

the response: the greatest gift of our lives

What can we give, that You have not given?
What do we have, that is not already Yours?
All we possess are these lives we're living
And that's what we give to you Lord

it's intriguing how reading the same phrase in two different ways can conjure up separate implications. no matter, the Christmas story comes down to the birth of Christ to save us from our sins. in the light of this glorious truth, what do you bring to the party when you celebrate Christmas?

Christmas isn't Christmas, till it happens in your heart
Somewhere deep inside you, is where Christmas really starts
So give your heart to Jesus, you'll discover when you do
That it's Christmas, really Christmas, for you