Several years ago, I asked my boys what they wanted for Christmas. You can imagine they answered right away with quite a list!

Then I asked what they wanted to give others for Christmas. I listed each by name. “How about Dad?” I asked. “A new office!” Connor blurted out! Clayton and I laughed as Connor’s list of gifts for his loved ones continued to grow in extravagance and generosity.

Then I asked, “What about Jesus, after all, it’s His birthday, what can you give Him?” Connor sighed and spoke with a knowing, almost placating tone, “Mom,” he said, “Jesus is too high up in Heaven, we can’t reach Him to give Him a present!”

Of course I explained about Jesus being everywhere and the gifts he wants are ones of the heart, like love and obedience. But I realized, Connor’s childlike answer is exactly why we celebrate this holiday laden with ornaments, mistletoe and presents.

Before the advent, before “Christmas,” God was too high to be reached! Our attempts to touch Him were all for naught and that’s why He came down. He condescended so that we could touch Him and be touched by Him. He reached down so that He could be reached by us! He clothed himself in humanity, cradled Himself in a manger, walked our dusty roads, and willingly bore the cross. He was reaching, reaching long and hard, deep and wide. Making access to Himself completely available to all who would simply reach back. He’s the one who reached down to give us the greatest gift of all... Himself!

The greatest gift we give to God this holiday season is to simply receive what He has generously given to us and to offer ourselves to Him in return.

So during the festivities this season; recognize the gift that God has already placed within you when you received His son! Celebrate Him often, revel in His generosity, and share His hope with others!

Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.
2 Corinthians 9:15

Blessings and Joy,
Jennifer Rothschild
Author of Lessons I Learned in the Dark (and Light),
and Founder of WomensMinistry.NET
http://www.jenniferrothschild.com
 

Christmas Gift Boxes and Cookie Exchange
Idea originally published in Issue #195 December 18, 2003

Last year we ran into some trouble gathering enough volunteers to help assemble the holiday food and gift boxes that we put together for families in our community. This year, one of our fearless leaders came up with a wonderful idea...

At church a few weeks ago, she had overheard one of the women sharing how she didn't have time to make all the treats her family would love to have for Christmas. "I guess they will just have to be happy with sugar cookies." The woman lamented.

Our idea... to hold a cookie exchange on the same evening as the gift box assembly. We asked each woman to bring eight dozen cookies. While the ladies visited and assembled, two of our leaders divided all the cookies onto large plastic trays that had been donated by Walgreens. (We went in and told them what we were doing and they generously gave us 40 trays.) The trays were all covered and given to each woman as she went home that evening. We had 39 women attend, but we made up all 40 trays and delivered the extra one to Walgreens the next morning. Needless to say, everyone was thrilled with their tray of homemade goodies.

We had a wonderful evening of fellowship, singing Christmas carols and sharing with each other. (It is amazing how women can talk and work!) We also had a record attendance of helpers and the gift box assembly that usually takes us two days - we did in one night. Oh, the power of fellowship and cookies!

• Special offer from Jennifer - Music with a Book!

If so, we would love to hear from you about how it is organized and what materials you use.

Send your mentoring ministry information to Robyne!

Did you know there is a brand new Issue of Java with Jennifer?

Java with Jennifer is an informal monthly ministry update specifically for friends who want to keep up-to-date on what is happening with Jennifer Rothschild's ministry of writing, speaking, and singing.

Obviously, because you are receiving this eNewsletter, you are signed up for the Jennifer's "weekly" WomensMinistry.NET eNewsletter. However, if you want to get up close, and personal with Jennifer, just click on the Update Profile link at the bottom of this email, and select the Java with Jennifer interest group.

Still not sure?

See the Latest Issue here.

Someone Has to Win... Why Not You!

When you visit our Featured Sponsor link, you will automatically be entered to win a free book, cd, or other resource from WomensMinistry.NET.

 

We randomly select the winner from those that click through the featured sponsor links in last week's issue.
This week's winner is...
ejck1010@aol ...
 

reaching more than 20,000 influential women's ministry leaders across the world. Click here for Advertising Rates

Here's what some of our recent Ad Sponsors are saying:

"We have never been disappointed in how advertising in the WomensMinistry.NET newsletter has put us in touch with women of prayer all across the world. Thank you, Phil and Jennifer, for this AWESOME newsletter. The MDOP ministry will be forever blessed because of it." Kathy Coleman, Founder, Mom's Days of Prayer

Here's how it works... send us your great ideas and if we use them in a newsletter you will be automatically entered to win the book bundle for the quarter. The more great ideas you submit, the more chances to win. At the end of the quarter we will announce the winner and the books she has won!

Its that time of year again! ... Our popular WomensMinistry.NET Directory of Speaker, Authors, and other Gifted Communicators is accepting renewals and new listings for 2007. Silver and Gold Listings receive special pricing on eNewsletter Sponsor Ads.

Just click on the link below to update your personal information today.