Hope Lutheran Church in Warren, Michigan

As we count down the next 5 days to Christmas 2012, I truly encourage you to try and keep an Authentic Christmas in mind.  So much of what we do is just ritual or tradition that has little real meaning to it.  We do so many things because it is traditional that we do them that way.  It is hard to celebrate an Authentic Christmas when we don't really know why we are doing what we are doing.  Unless we know the "Why?" of what we do we will be caught like a hamster on a spinning wheel, year after year, slaves to things that have no real, authentic Christmas meaning.

Now don't get me wrong.  I am not saying we should get rid of traditions or rituals.  They help keep us anchored to truth and our past.  However, I am suggesting that we take the time to discern the reason why we do what we do.  That way our Christmas traditions and activities will keep us anchored to an Authentic Christmas with all the Authentic meaning of the Christmas holiday. 

To help, we are providing you will a variety of Christmas/New Year services and activities.  On Christmas Eve we will give you a sure-fired way to keep this and every Christmas to come an Authentic celebration of the Savior's birth.  It will be a fun and memorable way for you and your children to keep Christ the center of Christmas!  I promise that it will change the way you and your family look at Christmas from now on!  And don't forget that the real, genuine (might I even say, 'Authentic") birthday of Jesus is Christmas Day.  We have a terrific festival service planned for you and your family.  Come wish Jesus an Authentic "Happy Birthday!"

 "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel'—which means, 'God with us.”'" 

Matthew 1:22-23

The Tune-Up will take a winter break the next couple of weeks, so see you in 2012!

God Bless us...Everyone!

Don't forget there's Homework:

+ You still have time to make this an Authentic Christmas.  All you have to do is remember that all we do at Christmas is intended to celebrate Jesus birthday.  Now, go have an Authentic Christmas Holiday and a Blessed New Year!

Prayer Requests:

+ Pray that this Christmas we embrace the joy Jesus brought to our world through His redemption of you, me, and the whole world.

+ Remember before the Lord those who suffer with all kinds of ailments, and those far from home during this Christmas Holiday Season.

Don't forget to check out the latest Hope sermons and Bible studies at: www.hopewarren.org

Jesus is our Hope!

+ Pastor John