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VALLEY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

What Christmas Means to Me

12/17/2021

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For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God,
The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace
.
                                                                                                                                     ​Isaiah 9:6

When I think about what Christmas means to me, the words of the prophet Isaiah immediately come to mind...unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.  There is something wonderful about the traditions we embrace as we celebrate each year, but for me the it is all first and foremost about the Lord Jesus.

Christmas means...

...retelling the story of Jesus -- coming back again and again to Luke chapter 2.

...gathering for our Christmas Eve service.

...embracing our family traditions -- watching Janice decorate as she listens to Christmas music.

...the anticipation of the kids 'coming home' -- just being together.

​...a time to slow down and reflect and give thanks for all of God's blessings.
From Janet Armstrong

Christmas means...

...frankincense the smell, so thick and strong overwhelming with warmth and comfort i didn’t understand.

...sitting in the old wooden high back pews of the little Church of my memory.

...looking upon the Nativity with baby Jesus -- His love, is what i didn’t understand. --now i do --that is Christmas to me.
From Edna Barisoff

Christmas means...

...celebrating the birth of Jesus -- remembering that God loves us so much that he sent His son Jesus that we by faith will have everlasting life.

...spending time with family, to share our love for others and to help other’s in need.

...singing and listening to Christmas Carols.

...attending the Valley Christmas Eve Service with family.
From Lia Pinske

Christmas is a very meaningful time for Bob and me -- it begins with putting our nativity scene on our lawn for all to see who drive by!

Jesus is the reason for the season and that to us is the most important reason for celebrating!

It’s about church, family, lighting up our homes and decorating!

The first few years of my life, we celebrated Sinter Klaas as they did in Holland on December 5th. When I got to school age my Mom and Dad added Christmas on the 25th, but still kept the Dutch tradition!

We pray everyone has a Blessed Christmas!
.
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    Author

    Ken Clarke has been the Pastor at Valley since 2007. He lives in the Oliver area 
    with his wife Janice. They have three adult children, Lisa, Scott & Tiffany (Riley, Charlie), Andrea & Jason (Noah, Luke).

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4312 Black Sage Road Box 1235 Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 250-498-4829 valleyccc@hotmail.com