Bulletin Article 12.03.06 -- Holiday Stuff

Now that December is here, we as families begin in full-force our usual holiday efforts. We’re all in the process of decorating our homes, purchasing gifts, listening to Christmas carols, and watching those classic holiday movies. As you go about your holiday business, here are two main things to remember.

Christmas Round-Up for Daybreak. As we announced last Sunday, we have the opportunity to help out 14 young people who are associated with Daybreak/DHR. They are from families affected by spousal abuse, and will receive mainly what we are able to gather up for them this holiday season. Before you leave this morning, be sure to check the list of wishes and clothes’ sizes in the foyer (red sheet). Sign or initial by the things you are willing to purchase for this good cause. The deadline for turning in these gifts is Saturday, December 16. Prior to departing for our Progressive Dinner that evening, we will gather all that we’ve collected and take a group picture.

We have the opportunity this holiday season to help those who are less fortunate; we also have the opportunity to emphasize to our young people the importance of helping others.

If you are unable to purchase any of the items on the list, please consider donating cash to this effort. You can give this money to me or my dad (Jeff). We will then carry our young people from Midway to town and buy any remaining items.

There is a decorated box in the foyer for you to drop off items as you purchase them. Thanks for your interest in this effort. We have been blessed tremendously by God and now have this opportunity to share those blessings with others.

A Wonderful Christmas Gift Idea. If you’re struggling with what to purchase someone on your Christmas list, let me make a suggestion: a Bible. I know that may seem like an obvious recommendation from a Youth Minister, but let me offer a more specific suggestion: an English Standard Version Bible.

The English Standard Version (ESV) is a relatively new translation (2001). Normally, as translations go, that’s not the best of signs. However, the committee of over 100 individuals who translated the ESV have produced a reliable, respectful, and readable modern translation.

The ESV utilizes the form equivalence method of translating. This idea essentially emphasizes the importance of a “word-for-word” translation. It holds that the very words of God are important enough to render them as they are found. The other method, dynamic equivalence, emphasizes “thought-for-thought” techniques (NIV, etc.). This obviously is suspect to translator-interpretations more than word-for-word.

As for readability, notice 1 Peter 1:13 in both NKJV and ESV.

NKJV: “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

ESV: “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

This obviously would make a great gift for your children if you’re still looking for some items. You can get entire ESV Bibles in all sorts of hip colors, textures, and styles for as little as $20-$30. They also have a hardback Children’s Bible for $25 that features maps and illustrations.

For adults, there are also many options to meet your study needs. Personally, I would love to have at some point the ESV on Audio CD’s and the Elastic Strap Journaling Bible. For a comprehensive list of ESV products, visit here. If you need me to help you find a suitable Bible for someone, let me know.

Best wishes as you enjoy this “most wonderful time of the year.” May God help us to help others and depend more on His word.