Blessed Christmas!

Christmas is just a few days away and I hope all of us have the opportunity this year-end to recover from the long soccer season, and spend time with family and friends. Over the last week, there has been much frustration expressed online due to the MRT breakdowns and delays. Yet, taking what is happening round the world in perspective (e.g. natural disaster in Philippines), Singaporeans have much to be thankful for. 2 weeks ago, Jimmy was able to share his thoughts to the whole church, about how thankful he was, even though in the last 2 years, he survived a heart attack, Leukemia and dengue fever (while undergoing treatment for Leukemia). Jimmy's key message was his reliance on God during his time of difficulties and to be thankful, regardless of his circumstances.

Jimmy sharing his experience with the church
(Thanks to Adrian for taking the photo and uploading it on our FB page)

As we approach Christmas, let's look at the much that we have, and be thankful. Here are excerpts from our Pastor's letter to our church members and friends:

"Christmas is just round the corner. Again, we witnessed the early arrival of the Christmas sales season as mega shopping malls are offering attractive promotional discounts to consumers. In spite of the bleak news of the struggling world economy, it has not deterred shoppers to the bargain hunt.

Recently, I happened to eavesdrop on a conversation on the topic of Christmas. There were two differing responses to this religious event. One, of Christmas nostalgia, and the other, of Christmas fatigue. The former, expressed a sense of anticipation, looking forward for the arrival of the festive day, whereas the latter, bemoaned having to buy gifts and attending parties.

What about us? How do you celebrate Christmas meaningfully? Has Christmas lost its significance and meaning down history's memory lane?

In our busy, deadline-fixated age, it is so easy for us to squeeze God out of our lives. Similarly, we can also treat a historical event like Christmas for granted. We may celebrate these events without appreciating its significant essence and meaning.

Christmas is not just another ordinary holiday. Christmas is God's gift of love to the world in Christ Jesus (John 3:16). Christmas is God's reconciling message of forgiveness to the sinful world (2 Corinthians 5:17-19). Christmas is God's light to us living in a sin-filled darkened world (Isaiah 9:2-7). Last but not least, Christmas is God's promised presence with us, for His name is Emmanuel - God with us. Do we seriously give thought to these blessings which God himself has bestowed upon so freely? Are we counting our blessings?

Together with our families, church leaders and staff, we wish you a very blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with God's peace and joy.

Warmest Regards,
Reverends Vincent Goh, Lai Kai Ming, Chia Chin Nam & Chan Siew Chye."

If you would like to join us for any of our year-end services, the dates/times are:

Christmas Services (25th December)
9am - Traditional English Service (Sanctuary)
11am - Contemporary English Service (Sanctuary)
11am - Mandarin Service (Chapel)

New Year's Eve Service (31st December)
5pm - English Service (Sanctuary)
5pm - Mandarin Service (Chapel)

All services are held at Pentecost Methodist Church (4 Pasir Ris Drive 6).