As nice as a lovely sanctuary is that can be a problem because we have taken the focus off the reason for the season just so we enjoy the season more. Too often we think of our comfort, our needs and take our minds - and hearts - off of our purpose to be hope and light to our mission field.
So, instead of buying pots of short lived flowers, why not do one or more of these things as the church focuses on the coming of Jesus Christ - -
- Hold a special community meal with such funds. Everyone gets a small gift.
- Fund a visitor/coffee station that will provide welcome and a meeting place all year long. Fill it with nice welcome bags to greet visiting guests all year long.
- Provide needed supplies, food, or clothing to local shelters who work with battered families, homeless or other special needs groups.
- Send a year's support to orphanages or facilities to sponsor at least one child or person.
- Fund one or more outreach efforts for the coming year.
- Establish or add to an emergency fund for use by and in the community
- Pick a needed area in the congregation or church that needs attention and fund its upkeep or refurbishment so that ministry will go on.
Set up a bare tree and add symbols only as these active steps of outreach, love, concern, and mission are taken up by people in the church.
Then, after all those significant and meaningful steps are taken, enjoy the beautiful season of the coming of the Savior....and the warm joy of sharing that news in real and tangible ways.
Talk with your pastor and church members about expanding horizons as holidays approach. Find the reason for the season and celebrate in such a way that the mission and purpose of the faith are moved forward.
