The local McDonalds, Maylands, has this sign up.

They are open on Christmas Day.

Now it is November 18th.

This means you could take this two ways. Either they have their sign up way too early, or they think people are going to be planning their Christmas Day around going to Mc Donalds.

Thats sobering.

Christmas at the Edwards’ house is full of provision, grace and blessing. We celebrate the great place we live in, the house and food and family we have. It is a day of extravegence. And there is nothing wrong with that! Jesus gave us this incredible world, and we should enjoy the fruit of its harvest.

But we also have health, great family and beautiful children.

So many don’t.

I often ask people, what are you doing for Christmas? Sometimes, truth be told, I am apprehensive of the answer, because for many, they don’t have exciting things to be doing on that day.

It is a time which brings into crystal clarity for many….what they don’t have.

So while I am enjoying and reveling in the good things I share with my family, I will also be aware that some people may be looking for a Mc Donalds store to visit.

Here is the start of the publicity I have done up for our Christmas theme this year.

For the month of December we are looking at ‘Immanuel, Journey to Christmas’ discovering together some of the stories revolving around God’s coming to earth.

For some Christians the idea of celebrating Christmas is problematic. They see it as being based on a pagan festival. I don’t care about that. Its like Paul’s argument in Romans 14 in regard to the weaker brother. These people were eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols! Paul knew it was just meat, but some Christians were upset because of the pagan origins. Paul made it clear….its just meat, don’t sweat it, its good for your body. But don’t offend your weaker brother with your freedom.

For me and my church, Inglewood Community Church, Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to share the great news about Jesus coming to earth. To not use it to share the gospel is a waste, a missed ‘Kairos’ in my view.

I have done the next installment in this series…

The Conservative College and Long Socks….

For our church, we generally see Baptism as something which believers do as a outward symbol of an inward decision they have made. While we might dedicate a child to God, and pray a prayer of blessing for them, we know that as they mature, they will have to make a decision of their own with what they will decide about God, and the role He plays in their life.

This Sunday I was really blessed and honoured to be involved in two Baptisms, both of them involving two people who did not grow up in Christian homes. Hearing their testimonies was exciting and fascinating. There is not much more powerful in church life than hearing how God has moved in someones life, changed them forever. Both of these wonderful people shared how believing in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour transformed them. I encouraged them to be open and frank in their testimonies, its their story, and often in the vulnerable aspects, others relate.  It was an honour as a Pastor to baptise them.

We did the Baptism down at the Swan River in Bassendean, at a place called ‘Sandy Beach’. It was the perfect place, sunshine, clear sand, and a nice bank for the good crowd who came down to witness it. Powerful stuff!

This week through a series of events I was told that some long standing members and valued contributors of our church were heading overseas for six months, and this Sunday would be their last.
The person responsible for the rosters had heard something similar and was surprised because this couple are very reliable and always let her know their movements.

I spoke to the husband in question…..turns out they are planning some short drives around our state next year. He was as surprised as I was at what was being said.
Its amazing how the whispers start and continue into a crescendo!

Here is some leadership lessons.

1. If you hear something and it sounds surprising, don’t discount the ‘whispers’ effect.
2. Go to the source, ask the person direct, this is what I have heard, whats actually going on?
3. Don’t be amazed at the diversity between what you have heard, and what really is.
4. Open, frank communication is always the best policy, no matter what your cultural background and heritage says. The extra little bit you don’t say, may be the most important piece of information.

Yes, he was.
Acts 9: 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Amazing story eh?
Imagine being one of the Pharisees or teachers of that day. That had hated John the Baptist’s baptism, because it said that you needed something more than the Jewish faith offered. In fact you needed to turn from that. Imagine then one of your biggest assets, a threat to the spread of Christianity…goes and does exactly what he had previously hated…and been baptised!
Baptism is a powerful outward statement.
This week at Inglewood Church I am baptising two people who have recently come to believe in Jesus, and want their faith to take the next step. For both of them, in different ways, it is a significant statement to the family and friends around them.