Faith, Hope and Love
The Christmas season is the perfect time of year to reflect on faith, hope, and assurance of a better tomorrow. Take advantage of the many festivities in your community by being a part of an even-song program, a holiday concert at the high school, or a Christmas play. Beginning or ending the festivities with punch and cookies at a set location.
Plan this meeting weeks in advance to give the women an opportunity to place it on their calendars and invite friends. Whether you meet at the Corps, provide transportation, or arrange to meet at one specific place, will depend on the needs of the women.
No matter your town’s size, there is usually something to do together during the month of December. Ahead of time, invite the women to research activities in your area and decide on an outing that most of the women would enjoy. Here is a list of common options
- Visiting a Christmas tree farm.
- Attend a local school or church choir concert.
- Attend the annual Christmas Parade.
- Go Caroling in a local nursing and rehabilitation center.
- Visit a Christmas Light display or neighborhood with the best lights.
- Visit a live nativity.
- Attend the city’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
- Attend a Christmas play.
- Attend a Christmas program at a local church.
Before the outing, prepare a Christmas Bingo card that they have to complete during the time together. Provide pens or ask them to bring their own. Have a few simple prizes for the winners along the way: candy canes, hot cocoa bombs, chocolates, or a Christmas tree cake.
- Create your own bingo cards for free on Canva.com. https://myfreebingocards.com/bingo-card-generator
Many women may not have the opportunity to take part in Christmas festivities due to finances, transportation, or simply because they do not want to attend alone. This is a time to create wonderful memories.
If an outing is not possible, here are a few fellowship ideas:
- Host a gingerbread home decorating contest
- Create a Christmas card wreath. Have each woman bring five homemade or store-bought Christmas cards. Use a wreath form and attach cards with mini clothes pins. Decorate with ribbon, pinecones. Check YouTube for easy directions.
- Cinnamon stick reindeer – Make reindeer figures by gluing cinnamon sticks together with googly eyes and red pom-pom noses. Use jute to make harnesses. Check YouTube for directions.
- Snow globe ornaments – Fill plastic ornament balls half full of white confetti to make “snow.” Add mini figurines like angels, trees, or stars. Seal tops with hot glue.
- Decorated notebooks – Cover plain notebooks with wrapping paper. Add stickers, washi tape, ribbon. These can be used to journal reflections afterward.
As you close your time together, gather around for a time of devotion and refreshments.
Refreshment options could be:
– Christmas Punch
– Hot cocoa bar
– Christmas Cookies
– Christmas themed popcorn bar.
Faith, Hope, and Love—The True Gifts of Christmas
I am so glad we can gather to focus our hearts on the true meaning of Christmas and reflect on the gifts of faith, hope, and love we have through Jesus. Let us start by coming before the Lord in prayer.
The Gifts that Truly Keep Giving
It is the most wonderful time of the year! As the familiar sights and sounds of the Christmas season surround us once again, our attention turns towards gift giving and receiving. Stores overflow with advertisements for the latest gadgets, toys, appliances, and more —all the things money can buy.
But as followers of Jesus, we know that the true gifts of Christmas reflect so much more. First Corinthians 13:13 says, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” These gifts that Paul describes are available to us every day because of what we celebrate at Christmastime—the incredible gift of Jesus coming to earth out of God’s perfect love for us.
On that starlit night so long ago, hope was born to a weary world in the unlikely form of a newborn King, wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. This was the promise of God to His people coming to fruition. Through His birth, life, death and resurrection, Jesus made a way for us to live in right relationship with God, free from the grip of sin and death.
Christmas reminds us of the faithfulness of God to fulfill His promises. Despite impossible circumstances, He sent the Savior who was prophesied. When God says He will do something, He does it! As we put our trust in Him, our faith is strengthened. No matter what we face in this earthly life, God is faithful. He is working and moving in ways we cannot yet see or understand fully. But He is true to His Word.
Christ’s arrival also gives us an unshakable, eternal hope. The trials and pain of this life are temporary, but Jesus came to make all things new. Though the brokenness around us is deep, darkness will not have the final word. Someday, if we dedicate our life to the Lord, we will be with our Savior face-to-face, and His Kingdom will reign forever. What incredible joy this future hope brings. It is a light to guide our path today.
Most importantly, Christmas reminds us of the greatest gift—God’s perfect love portrayed through His son. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” (John 3:16). Undeserved and unbelievable, it is a love that rescues, restores, and redeems. When we accept the gift of salvation Jesus offers, we are no longer defined by our mistakes and shortcomings. We are called sons and daughters of the Most High God, and nothing can separate us from His love.
Reflection
As you reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, consider these questions:
- How does remembering God’s faithfulness encourage you as you face difficulties or an uncertain future? What promises of God can you cling to?
- How does the eternal hope Jesus gives reshape your perspective and priorities in daily life? What needs redeeming in your life right now?
- How can you reflect the self-giving love of Jesus to others this Christmas season through your words, actions, and generosity?
- May the gifts of faith, hope and love fill you afresh this Christmas as we celebrate Immanuel – God with us! He is the gift that truly keeps on giving.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for fulfilling Your promises and sending the greatest gift of all—Your own perfect Son. Please deepen my understanding of Your faithfulness, hope, and love this Christmas. Help me walk fully in the gifts You offer through Your amazing grace. Amen.
