A Sincere Jubilee Christmas
Webster’s dictionary defines Jubilee as:
1. a year of emancipation and restoration provided by ancient Hebrew law to be kept every 50 years by the emancipation of Hebrew slaves, restoration of alienated lands to their former owners, and omission of all cultivation of the land
2. a special anniversary or a celebration of such an anniversary
3. and jubilation as a season of celebration
Webster’s definition for Christmas says:
a Christian holiday that is celebrated on December 25 in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ or the period of time that comes before and after this holiday
But we know Jubilee Christmas as so much more than a definition. In fact, we don’t limit where God can take us through the outreach ministry of JUBILEE CHRISTMAS. It is His guidance we must seek.
At first we saw Jubilee as a way to provide “a Christmas” to families who might not have one without us. This is a generous and loving act. It’s time to take what we do and why we do it and share what Christmas truly is. God’s desire is that we share the good news of Jesus Christ in all that we do and that applies to each and every ministry we have. Our mission is to make disciples for Jesus for the transformation of the community and the world.
Jubilee Christmas is looking different. Our Host families connect with their Jubilee Families early in the process, beginning a relationship that will last beyond Jubilee Christmas day. These families have needs all year long; and to truly share the love of Jesus, we need to be present throughout the year, not just at Christmas.
After the first of the year, we will meet with Hosts and discuss how we can continue relationships, how to discover needs, and how to address them. There are many avenues we can explore; and this will take people who have servant hearts, listening ears, willing spirits, and being open to God’s leading. This gathering for learning and exploration is not limited to current Jubilee Hosts. In order to see fruits from our efforts, it will take many of us, united in making a difference in the lives of Perry Township families.
So Jubilee Christmas can become a year of JUBILATION! Actually, you have already begun.
· Thank you for your generosity in providing toys, gifts, food, and personal care items for Jubilee families.
· Thank you for your financial contributions to the Jubilee Christmas Fund and to Faith Promise which cover the costs of Bibles for families, gift cards for their holiday dinners, clothes and warm coats for the children, and any unexpected expenses.
· Thank you for helping in all of the before, during, and after preparations.
· Please consider helping with our year of Jubilation by being part of the continued relationship. Plan to attend the meeting after the first of the year to see how you will be a perfect fit. (date to be set soon)
Now we can celebrate that the Christmas sharing we began can become the true and sincere Christmas of the good news and love of Jesus Christ!