Dear Church Family,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Christmas 2000 is here (whatever happened to Y2K?) - with all of the gala festivities of the season. The strains of familiar carols fill the air. Stores and shopping malls are filled to capacity with people as the annual buying spree is underway. Christmas lights and lawn displays, trees large and small, santas and Salvation Army workers seem to be omnipresent: All of this serves to remind us that it’s Christmas time again.

Christmas is indeed an exciting time for all of us. However, there is one ingredient lacking in most of the season’s activities - the one Person who gives the true meaning and joy to Christmas. The angels informed the shepherds in Luke 2:11, “for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” In John 10:10 Jesus reminds His followers, “I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.” The true meaning of Christmas is not tinsel and lights, but redemption and the joy and peace that gives meaning to life. This season is supposed to reflect peace on earth and good will toward man - but true peace among men can never be realized until there is first peace with God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). This Christmas, let this message be our calling card to a world that is desperately searching for hope and meaning to life.

While the Christmas season closes out the year - it opens up a new year. As Christians with a glorious hope, let’s focus upon the opportunities before us in 2001!

Eva and I are grateful for the CGBC family and the way you have stood by us this past year. Our prayers for each of you is that you may have the most blessed holiday season ever and that the sense of God’s presence may fill your life throughout the coming year. So from our house to your house, God bless and have a wonderful holiday season in Christ’s bountiful love.

Love to you all.