Christmas Wish List
Dear Santa, I can hardly believe it is Christmastime! So, it’s time to write you a letter again. As you probably already know, 2020 has been one for the record books. Everything was shut down, no one could do anything, and no one could go anywhere. It felt like everyone was on the naughty list this year.
Now I don’t blame COVID-19 on you, but let me just put this out there. If global pandemics are the new “lumps of coal,” then we would kindly prefer to go back to the old lumps of coal system.
You probably remember that last year I asked you for two things for Northside:
- Keep us Grounded – To keep us rooted in Christ, grounded in God’s Word, and led by the Holy Spirit in all we do.
- Help us Grow – To never grow weary of doing good, but persist faithfully in loving God, serving others, and growing the kingdom!
You certainly gave us both of those! In the middle of a worldwide storm, Northside remained anchored. And 2020, while full of obstacles, also brought an abundance of opportunities. The family at Northside came up with many creative methods to serve others, build community, mature families, grow our online presence, give honor to those deserving honor, and care for the suffering.
People made care packages to deliver; folks checked in on one another; graduates were honored; we all learned to Zoom; and drive-through weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries abounded. Despite evil abounding in the world, the church was able to continue to be Christ and continue to both do good and abound in love.
This year, I want to be careful what I ask for. But after thinking about it some, I think I want to ask for two more things:
- More Faith – 2020 was uncharted territory. No one living has been through something like this before. It has all been exhausting. So, we are going to need more unshakable faith in God.
- Less Fear – Fear grew to exponential levels. Folks were hoarding toilet paper and hand sanitizer! (Was that on some lists!?!) Unfortunately, we don’t make very wise decisions when we’re afraid. While we have plenty of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, masks, and even a vaccine, there are lots of people still living in fear.
I realize making those two things could be challenging for your elves. I’m sure that they can figure it out, but here is an idea for something you can load in the sleigh. 2021 will be a great time for us to re-read the promises of God’s Word. So maybe some Bible reading plans that will get us reading God’s Word together to increase our faith and decrease our fear! In any case, I’ll leave it to you to get all that under the tree this Friday.
As always, the Chick-fil-A Original Chicken Sandwich™, delicious Waffle Fries, warm chocolate chunk cookie, and a tall glass of ice-cold milk will be left out for you!