Simplify Christmas – Celebrate Christ
Every year we promise ourselves to do just that: simplify
Christmas and maybe to celebrate the birth of Christ in a more
authentic manner. We just never seem to be able to keep our
promise. It gets lost the in hustle and bustle and in the needs of
family and the expectations of friends. What can you do?
Trly again! Try letting go and enjoying the journey. It doesn’t have
to be perfect – few things rarely are. Focus on spirit, not on
substance!
Some time back there was a very popular book entitled Unplug
the Christmas Machine by Jo Robinson and Jean Staeheli. It
featured a very practical Christmas Pledge. It went something like
this:
I believe in the true spirit of Christmas and I am committed to:
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Remembering those who are truly in need of what I have to
offer
Expressing my love in multiple ways, not just gifts
Focusing on my deepest values before any I begin any
holiday activities
Acting to bring about peace within my family and circle of
friends
Rededicate myself to my own spiritual growth
Take the pledge and try some of these very simple yet practical
ideas to assist you.
1.Focus on a few of your very special childhood Christmas
traditions.
2.Incorporate a few of your spouse’s childhood traditions.
3.Don’t be afraid to rid yourself of traditions that are no longer
relevant, too expensive or that don’t focus on the true spirit of
Christ’s birth.
4.Don’t spend what you don’t have – even if your kids really
deserve it. It’s not what you do for your children, but what you do
with them that they will remember.
5.Allow yourself to gain 3 pounds over the holidays. It will
probably happen anyway!
6.Remember to give with a sense of love and joy, not obligation.
7.Take at least 5 minutes each day to stop, center yourself, slow
everything down and remember exactly why you took this pledge.
8.Focus on the needs of others, not their wants and desires.
9.Remember those who truly need your help and dona
te your time, not just your money.
10.Make time to attend church and celebrate the birth of Christ
with others at least once. It doesn’t matter which church you visit.
We hope you will join us at Aloha United Methodist Church. We
are not a large, formal congregation. Our building does not
resemble a cathedral. You don't have to get all dressed up to join
us. We won't tell you that we have all the answers, though we love
wrestling with important life questions. While we don’t all believe
the same thing we believe in God and in each other.
Aloha United Methodist Church is located at 2270 SW 198th Ave
right here in Aloha.
Here are a few other churches in Aloha we located on the internet.
You can probably find many others.
Aloha Church of God
Bethlehem Lutheran
Cooper Mt. Presbyterian
Faith Bible Church
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Parish
First Baptist Church
18380 SW Kinnaman Rd
Beaverton OR
18865 SW Johnson St
Beaverton OR
6955 SW 201st Ave Aloha
OR
16860 SW Blanton St
Beaverton OR
3145 SW 192nd Ave
Beaverton OR
18390 SW Farmington Rd
Beaverton OR
Take your time – relax – enjoy, or you’ll miss the real spirit of
Christmas all together. Simplify Christmas – Celebrate Christ!