Snow on the ground and freezing temperatures complete the sights and sounds of Christmas. Notice the tinsel-decorated shops, the carols on the radio or the festive lights as we drive around the city, you get the feeling that we have just entered in the most wonderful time of the year.

This day of prayer and fasting is one way of drawing near to God. Instead of the routine of eating and other activities, many of us have chosen to feast on God through Scripture reflection, prayer and worship. Throughout December, may we all continue in this attitude of prayer. This way, we draw near to Him.

Invite a Newcomer or Two…or Six or a Dozen

We can ill-afford to keep to ourselves the joy and peace Christ’s coming brings. Our joy is made perfect when we share it with others. What better way to do so than to open our home to those who are having their first Christmas in Canada. Some are not able to invite but can practice generosity. Others still, can do both.

That’s why we decided to multitask this Christmas season. Our December 14^th FFAC Christmas party is not so much for regulars here as much as we want to have as many newcomers with us next Sunday. For many of our guests, it is the next best thing to celebrate Christmas with loved ones who are too far away. Moreover, let’s not stop just at having one Christmas party.

We’ve been mentioning this publicly for more than a month now: Wouldn’t it be great if each household or family hosts folks new to Canada on Christmas Eve? Tell your family you’re having guests over for “Noche Buena”. Go worship the King at 7pm Dec 24 Christmas Eve Celebration; bring your guest(s) and have them over your house. 

I sure want to be on the right side of what Jesus taught: “…I was a stranger and you invited me in.” (Matthew 25:35). There’s more to that passage: “I was shivering and you gave me clothes. I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was sick and you stopped to visit…”

Sometimes, the most effective way to draw near to God is to do what He says. Besides time alone with the Lord, we may be closest to Jesus when we welcome Him to our home as we welcome newcomers.

If for personal reasons you’re not able to invite people for Christmas dinner, you may choose to be generous to those with a soft spot in the heart of Jesus – give to people on the other side of the globe for whom the basic necessities we take for granted is crucial to their survival there … three (3) square meals daily, clothing, medicine and other necessities.

Would you consider this? Open your home and make new friends. Or, open your wallet and give to Hungry for Life International (you may check their website – http://hfl.domain7.com/About.html).  Maybe you want to do both. Either way, you have two 2 opportunities to draw near God in a way that brings others near Him.

Isn’t that what Jesus came to do?

ricky p. mapa, pastor

PS – Before I forget… Pick up a guest or more and drive together on Dec 19 Friday evening 7pm – “Simbang Gabi” at Millbourne Alliance Church. It’s in Millwoods – exact address: 2101 Millbourne Road East. See you there. Pray that the Lord will draw us all closer to Jesus.