The Chalice A publication of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 201 East Second Street , Edmond Oklahoma 73034 Vol. 1 No. 25 December 17, 2009 Giving Meaningful Gifts by Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister I’m looking for the perfect Christmas gift. No matter who it is I’m giving a gift to, I want to find something that will make their jaw drop. The only problem is—those kinds of gifts are tough to find. What can you get for someone who has everything? I know tha t buying some thing outrageously expensive would be a jaw- dropper , like a new car or some exquisite piece of jewelry, but those kinds of things are not really what I would like to give. I just came from the hospital visiting good friends of the church—Norma Holley and her daughter , Sharon Hutson. They are both in the hospital. Sharon donated a kidney to her mother on Monday, and both are doing very well. God gave us two kidneys, although we don’t really need both of them. We can get along very w ell with just one. Maybe we’re g iven that kind ofabundance to see what we’ll do with what we have. Sharon has done well—she has given the gift of life to her mothe r. She joked about the fact that the kidney was all Norma was getting for Christmas. Who needs anything else? Children’s Christmas Eve Service Thursday, December 24 5:30pm The Gospel will come alive with the help of our children in a narrative re-telling ofthe birth of Jesus. This abbreviated, family -oriented worship service includes familiar Christmas h ymns. Children (ages 3 through 2nd grade) may select a costume at 5pm and participate in the Nativity story! Candlelight Service ofRemembrance Sunday , December 20 - 6:30pm For many this is a difficult season ofthe year , especially if you have lost a loved one. But there is hope in the midst of darkness. If you are hurting, we invite you to come light a candle of remembrance during this service designed to comfort you. Our healing prayer ministers will be on hand to fashion a prayer for your needs, and Rev . Chris Shorow will offer a meditation. Now I’m not looking to donate an organ for Christmas, either . But I would like to give a gift impacting someone else’s life. Like love. Or forgiveness. How do you wrap those up? I received a wonderful gift this morning from my son, William. We had a little conflict last night over doing some chores. Angry words were spoken, but we went t o bed apologizing to one another and saying we loved each other . This morning, the first thing William said to me was, “I’m sorry about las t night, Dad. I lo ve you! ” That’s the only gift I need this Christmas. Maybe this is a good year for all of us to give the truly meaningful gifts. Like love and forgiveness. After all, Christ wa s born to give us new life. Merry Christmas! Candlelight Christmas Eve Services Thursday, December 24 ~ 7 and 11pm Join us as we anticipate the day of our Savior’s birth! The 7pm Christmas Eve service will feature beautiful music, scripture readings, and the lighting of the Christ Candle. The 11pm service will feature a serene, simplified candleli ght service with carols, the Chancel Choir, and scripture. The service ends in candlelight with the bells tolling the midnight hour, marking the arrival of Christmas Day . (Nursery for infants available during 7pm service only)
