Archive for December, 2005

The Narnia story speaks of a “deeper magic”. The essence of this “deeper magic” is grace The evil queen in Narnia thought she had won when justice was done and Aslan the Lion sacrificed himself instead of the child Edmund. She failed to realise that the sacrifice of a willing innocent went much further. Forgiveness and justice come together in this sacrifice. Edmund received mercy and freedom from his life’s mistakes.

We receive a new start through the forgiveness Jesus won for us by His sacrifice on the cross. New Year’s resolutions often come and go, dependent on our will power. The forgiveness Jesus provides is constant and reliable. It was established by the events of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus breathes life and forgiveness into our broken and guilt ridden lives

Stephen Semenchuk

Tsunami, earthquakes, hurricanes, global warming, race riots, terrorism… the list could go on. We live in a world that is struggling to stay alive. If we dwell on the negative for too long, our outlook could easily become very dark.

Christmas chines hope into our life in a much more significant way that the beautiful lights that adorn many houses. Christmas celebrates the fact that God has provided the world’s rescuer in Jesus

He provides hope, meaning, direction and the opportunity to get back into a right relationship with our Creator God. We can pretend that nothing happened 2000 years ago in the Bethlehem stable. Better would be to acknowledge that this Jesus changed things forever and to dedicate our lives to the world’s only true rescuer.

Stephen Semenchuk

Should we celebrate Jesus’ birthday on the 25th of December?
It is unlikely that this is the true historical date, just an arbitrary day proclaimed by Pope Julius 1 in 350 AD.

Should we decorate Christmas trees?
Christmas trees first appeared on the scene in Medieval Germany. We know that they were sold in Strasbourg by 1531 AD. Their origin lies in the mystery plays that were presented where the fir tree represented the Garden of Eden. When these plays were banned from churches, the trees found their way into people’s homes.

Does Santa fit in?
The figure of Santa Claus is a mixture of St. Nicholas, a compassionate and generous bishop who lived in Asia Minor during the 4th Century AD, and older pre-Christmas “spirits” that were associated with the northern European Yule Festivals.

Is it hurtful?
The puritins of the 17th Century took an extreme view of Christmas. England under Oliver Cromwell, banned Christmas because some of its practices had pagan overtones. However, history demonstrates that efforts to stamp out Christmas have been unsuccessful.

It Should be helpful!
God loves His people to celebrate and enjoy the good things He has placed in His world. He also desires us to recognise His divine provision and to acknowledge Him as our Creator and Lord. The key issue is not so much the traditions, but the meaning we attach to them. If our Christmas celebrations and traditions assist us to live more generous, joyful and peaceful lives, then we give new helpful meanings to practices that most people don’t know where or when they started.

Stephen Semenchuk

Friday night’s Carols was a magnificent event. The spirit of co-operation between the churches of Dapto and all the workers was a great witness to our community.

It was wonderful to place Christ before the community at Christmas time.
However, the job is not even half done!

We need to build on these initial connections and present “Christ crucified” as the hope for each person’s life.

The Narnia Christmas Experience on the 22nd and 23rd of December, our Christmas Eve and Day Services and all Dapto Anglican Church’s programs in 2006, must develop and foster these connections.
Connection with Jesus Christ is the only ultimate hope for people. Dapto Anglican Church needs to be a place where any person can get connected to Christ, grow in their connection and get connected to His people.

Stephen Semenchuk