“Consider Christmas – 2 Birth’s”

As we enter in to this Christmas season why / what is it that we celebrate? Those in the world would be quick to answer with what you might expect to hear. Things like … to celebrate family, Santa Claus, etc. Honestly it’s hard for me to come up with reasons one would celebrate Christmas out side of Christ. But, droves of people do it every year. I wonder if all those people that are trying to take Christ out of Christmas even know where their “Santa” comes from. I bet they don’t know that:

-Father Christmas is based on a real person, St. Nicholas, which explains his other name 'Santa Claus' which comes from the Dutch 'Sinterklaas'. Nicholas was a Christian leader from Myra (in modern-day Turkey) in the 4th century AD. He was very shy, and wanted to give money to poor people without them knowing about it. It is said that one day, he climbed the roof of a house and dropped a purse of money down the chimney. It landed in the stocking which a girl had put to dry by the fire! This may explain the belief that Father Christmas comes down the chimney and places gifts in children's stockings.

I’d be willing to bet most people don’t know that their Santa was saved and most of the holiday traditions that they celebrate come from an ancient day “Good Samaritian.” So modern day Christmas, like anything else in this nation (at its core), comes from Christian beliefs even outside of what we know to be true of Jesus’ birth. So with that being said why or what do we celebrate….Birth. Not 1 but 2.

First obviously is the birth of Christ (Matt 1:23 and Luke 2:1-18). We celebrate because Jesus was born into this world and not of this world. He did not emerge out of history but came into history from the outside. His life is the Highest and Holiest entering through the most humble of doors. He was sent here for 2 reasons. To show us his Father and be a gateway for us to one day see Him in glory which leads me to the second type of birth.

That is Christ’s birth in me. We must be born again. John 3:1-7
John 3:2-3
(vs. 3) "Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." NKJV

Just as the Lord came into the world from the outside He also most come into me from the outside by the renewing of my mind in Romans 12:2 and having our hearts cleansed and our bodies washed with pure water in Hebrews 10:22-23. The evidence of this new birth is that I yield myself to Him. Meaning…He came to be formed in me and fill every crevasse of who I am so that His character and nature can be seen through me rather than my good works or intentions.

So there are two births that we can celebrate this Christmas season. The birth of Christ to the world and His birth in us. Let us not be fooled by what the world portrays as good cheer. The only real joy that ever happened to this world is when Christ entered it so that we, in turn, might be able to enter heaven one day. I’d say that is the gift that keeps on giving and that greatest gift ever given to man.

Things continue to go well for us here in MD. I am one of the assistant coaches for the high school basketball team and loving every minute of it. We have a good group of young guys that will really do great things as they keep working hard and learning this great sport. I see amazing things for the future of this team. According to my syllabus, I only have 1 more evening of classes remaining and then the final exam. This class has been truly spectacular. Pst. Schaller and those that have stepped in on his behalf have taught me so much. I thank God for MBC&S and the men of God here that teach us these amazing truths.

Misty, like always, is doing her thing on the home front. She is so great with the boys and getting them involved in various things. Whether it be in the nursery at the church (so she can do women’s meetings, lunch raps etc.) or the Zoos, play groups and now Port Discovery she just does a great job keeping them active. She is an amazing mom and wife.










The boys are doing great. Growing like weeds (Reese is a piglet) and starting to play together. As Reese gets older (just turned 1) he is able to hang with Grant a little more and participate in what he is doing. I can’t wait for him to start talking and seeing his little personality come to life beyond just crying and throwing himself to the ground.

Grant recently got to meet Lightening McQueen, Mater & Sally at the mall near us! He will be so excited to open his Cars DVD on Christmas morning (and all the other things that mom has gone overboard on buying!). Reese on the other hand is hard to buy for because he likes to play w/ all of Grant’s toys and we still have an abundance of “baby” toys from when Grant was smaller. Therefore, he seems to get the short end of the stick.

Well…that is enough for now. If we don’t get to update the Blog before Christmas / New Year…. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and hopefully we will see many of you over the Christmas holiday!!! We love you all and cherish your friendships, prayer, encouragement and lives!

In Christ in Maryland,
Andrew, Misty, Grant and Reese