Why We Still Need Christmas - A Letter from Pastor Vicki

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ at New Hope,

It is my absolute joy to be celebrating another Advent season with all of you at New Hope!  Since we have been talking about songs that bring joy during Sunday morning worship, I thought I would share the lyrics of one of my favorites, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day... 

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play, and wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along

The unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And it goes on...

And in despair I bowed my head;

“There is no peace on earth,” I said;

“For hate is strong,

And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The Wrong shall fail,

The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men.

We have this image that Christmas is about how lovely, beautiful, and peaceful the world is (cue in Hallmark movie)...but that isn’t the case.  If the world were that way, we wouldn’t have needed Christmas.  We need Christmas precisely because the world is broken and painful and terrible things happen.  We need the hope and peace that only can come from Jesus Christ who is Emmanuel...God with us. 

As you know too well, the world’s peace is fleeting.  But God’s peace is true and eternal.  And this season, we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.  We celebrate his first coming AND we also remember that he is coming back, to judge the nations, resurrect the dead, and make all things new.  We can look forward to a time when God’s peace will reign all over the earth and we will all be in never-ending praise!  My prayer for you is that, regardless of what is going on in your life right now, you can experience the peace that comes from knowing Jesus. 

Christmas Eve Services:

I look forward to worshiping with you on Christmas Eve at New Hope!!!  We have two English-speaking services on Christmas Eve: 5pm is family-friendly with glow sticks and 7pm is traditional with communion and candlelight.  Our Spanish-speaking congregation will gather for a beautiful worship service on Christmas Day at 7pm in Logan Hall.  You are welcome at all services.

Christmas Eve Offering – Zoe Empowers/Foundation 4 Orphans:

Our Christmas Eve offering will be going to support our orphan empowerment group in Mozambique through Zoe Empowers and Foundation for Orphans (F4O).  These organizations have formed a partnership to alleviate poverty in young adults and children in Mozambique, one of the poorest nations in the world.  For those who are unfamiliar with Zoe Empowers, they have an empowerment model that is incredibly effective!  Teens and young adults who are orphaned and/or incredibly vulnerable can apply to a Zoe program in their community.  They are given no relief but rather are equipped with information and skills.  They are trained in entrepreneurship, hygiene, disease prevention, and taught their rights as orphans.  All these young people are heads of their household, often responsible for raising younger siblings or nieces/nephews.  Many have experienced significant trauma as they have struggled to survive and care for their loved ones.

When they first enter the program, these young people are hungry and desperate.  The group provides support and healing for them.  As they work through the three-year program, they build confidence, life skills, and start productive businesses.  Depending on their interests, they learn how to farm, raise animals, do hair, become a mechanic or welder, sew, or bake, among many other skilled labor opportunities.  These young people work hard, earning everything they receive, and improving their lives drastically as they progress through the program.  By the second year, most are earning enough to pay their siblings’ school fees, get electricity in their homes, be food secure, and even start a second business.  They are proud of their businesses and hard work.  These are young people that will never need charity again!

One of the amazing things about these young people is how they walk so closely with the Lord.  They are faithful!  When asked what their favorite Scripture verses are, they almost always choose a psalm.  They can relate with the desperation and sorrow of the psalmists and how ultimately, they will choose to hope and trust in God. 

At New Hope Church, we sponsor an orphan empowerment group in Mozambique (and we have previously had two groups in Zimbabwe).  It isn’t cheap but it’s well worth the money!  For $9000 per year for three years, we change the lives of almost 100 children (this includes the heads of households and their siblings).  They become productive citizens and leaders in their communities.  They come to know Jesus Christ and walk closely with him.  They have a support system.  Intergenerational change occurs. 

Please pray about how you can help support this important Kingdom work.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki