The spirit of giving

Christmas really is the most wonderful time of year! It always brings joy to my heart to see how this season brings out the very best in mankind. The laughter, joy, and bustle of the year brings both good memories and good hope to my soul. Unfortunately, Christmas also tends to bring out the worst side of man - our selfishness. The stories of Black Friday altercations all over America quickly illustrate our darker side. We truly need a Savior!
Last night, Centennial Baptist Church kicked off the Christmas season by allowing our church families to adopt 36 orphaned children for Christmas. Each of these children has made a Christmas list and our folks rallied to hear the needs and meet the wishes of these lonely kids. We gave families in the church the opportunity to each adopt one child for Christmas, encouraging them to pray, shop, give, and personally go to bless these orphans. Needless to say, it was an exciting night at church! There was an unforgettable joy in the room. We closed the evening with Christmas carols and an old-fashioned bonfire.
This morning as I arrived at the church office, the once-raging-bonfire had dimmed to a wisp of smoke and a few simmering coals. However, I know that an everlasting fire has been lit in the hearts of our people. The spirit of Christmas is here! And it will never be extinguished in the hearts of those who understand that it is truly better to give than to receive.
God so loved this world that He gave His Only Son to save us from our sins. How can those of us who love Him do any less than give to those in desperate need?
Centennial Baptist Church is located at 5321 Brownwood Road, Rutledge, GA 30663. Visit www.centennialbaptist.org.

–John Darsey
Senior Pastor, Centennial Baptist Church

Printed in the November 29, 2012 edition.