It was a children's Sunday School party. Everyone was expected to bring a gift. Then the entire group did a gift exchange. Everyone loved the gifts, the excitement both of giving and receiving; created a lot of laughter in the room. There was one noticeable exception. A young boy seemed strangely disconnected to the excitement and fun. It wasn't his gift; he was actually quite pleased with his surprise.

An adult in the room asked the little boy if something was wrong. "No", he offered, "there isn't really anything wrong. I'm just thinking about something." The adult persisted, "What are you thinking about?" The child replied, "I guess I'm just confused. But if Christmas is Jesus birthday, then why is it that everyone gets presents but him?"

Out of the mouths of babes...

Look at your Christmas plans this year. Consider your shopping list this Christmas. Examine your gift-giving list. Could the boy's question be applied to your Christmas too?

Christmas is all about gifting...

• For God so loved the world, He gave ...
• And the magi presented Him with gifts ...
• And this year, in 2012, you will bring to Him, ___________________________________.

On December 23rd, at 8 AM, 9 AM, and 10:30 AM we will have a special family worship experience. Which service are you attending? It's going to be a great day!

• We will hear again the Christmas story.
• We will sing the Christmas songs.
• We'll enjoy watching our children re-enact the Christmas drama.
• And we will bring gifts to the Lord.

Each year at New Work Fellowship, we receive our "Gift for Christ" offering. It is one way of making sure that our Lord is at the center of our focus. Would you do the following as you prepare for Sunday?

• Pray about your gift. What is an appropriate gift for the Lord?
• Talk about your gift. Get the entire family in on the gift.
• Bring your gift. At a special time in the service you will be invited to bring your gift and give it to the Lord.