autumn-issue-8-december-2015

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personal∙narrative∙ 8 By: Brooke Brown BORN TO LOVE AND SERVE: JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON At this time of year, it’s one of most easily recognized Christian “catch phrases” in the world. One can usually find it posted in bold, artistic lettering somewhere on the vast majority of church campuses throughout the month of December. Stop in any Christian bookstore along your Christmas shopping route and you’ll see that same statement printed on every kind of gift imaginable. My family received a lovely red and white “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” bulb ornament when I was younger, and it still gets a place of honor on the tree each Christmas, nearly twenty years later. Anyone who shares the Faith understands its meaning– CHRISTmas is celebrated to remember that Jesus was born to take on our sin and repair the broken bridge between God and us, The Father ( John 3:16). No believer can dispute that nothing surpasses His ultimate gift to His most beloved creations. Still, while trying fruitlessly to navigate the utterly chaotic shopping malls and fending off the circling vultures as they wait for the perfect opportunity to snatch up all the latest goodies, one must wonder: Is this how Jesus would really spend His birthday if He were still walking amongst us today? It's highly unlikely. Surely He would take pleasure in all the joyous fellowship with family and friends, but it’s a safe bet that piling elegantly wrapped packages under the tree wouldn’t be a very high priority. Yes, thoughtful presents are a blessing and a sweet expression of love, but should only be accessories to the things that really matter. The Bible describes very few instances (if any) where Jesus gave material gifts to others. He always gave of Himself and did it generously, even to the point of laying down His life for us, His friends ( John 15:12-13). As believers in Jesus, we are called to serve the Church out of love in the same way He did. That's why we were each created with unique spiritual gifts and talents– to be able to give of ourselves and meet the needs of our communities, as in 1 Peter 4:10. And what a better time to start than Christmas? This may sound simple and obvious, and it often can be, but sometimes finding a place that needs your specific gift is extremely difficult, especially when you must contend with physical barriers or limitations. As a power wheelchair user who has somewhat impaired fine motor skills, I can attest to that. Up until about four years ago, I’d always felt bad that I could never effectively participate in many of the service opportunities happening around me because of the physicality involved. I felt like my faith was lacking an essential element. So, I began asking The Lord to show me a way I could be of use to my church. He simply whispered, “use your words.” I knew what that meant. And with a prayer for courage, I asked my best friend if he would come talk to the worship/arts and media pastor with me after that Sunday’s service (I needed someone there to clarify what I said because my disability includes a speech impairment) and he agreed. I did my best to concentrate on my pronunciation as I introduced myself to the pastor, explained that I was a creative writer and would like to help the church however I could. I left him my binder of writing samples to look over and waited to hear what he thought. A week later, the pastor handed me back my binder with this proposition, “our normal playwright is unavailable this year, and I was starting to worry about what we were going to do, but would you be willing to help us write the narration for this year’s Christmas show?” “YES!” I confirmed immediately, my typing fingers tingling with excitement. “THAT is something I can DEFINITELY do!” The production was aptly titled, “Storytellers” because it illustrated how we are all a part of Jesus’ Christmas story, but He also desires to be a part of ours, as well. The show was a wonderful success, and numerous people sought me out afterward to relay how moved and encouraged they were by my words. It was one of the most fulfilling Christmas experiences I've ever had. I finally understood what I could give to the body of Christ. My faith was complete and would only grow stronger because I found a place to answer the call to serve. As we celebrate all our favorite Christmas traditions, let us truly remember Jesus is the reason for the season and not forget to give the gift of ourselves back to Him.
ASK AUTUMN! “Ask Autumn” is an anonymous advice section. Readers have the opportunity to ask and submit personal questions. Each question is read and reviewed by a Marriage and Family Therapist and answered in the following <strong>issue</strong> of Autumn Magazine. Fill out the form below or email ask@<strong>autumn</strong>magazine.com Folk Art Treasures by Joann Dance Shop online to find more information by clicking the direct link below! Like Us On Facebook!
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