Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Cypress Church Reaching for Christmas


With Christmas comes certain questions: Did I get the right gift for my daughter? Do I need to buy another set of clear twinkle lights? Am I going to gain another five pounds if I eat that box of See’s candies?

How often, though, is the question asked, "How do I make this Christmas more meaningful?" It may not be asked very often, but that doesn't mean there's not an answer.

Throughout December, Cypress Church will be seeking to help all who ask that question find ways to make this a meaningful, and memorable, Christmas Season. Through a series of planned events, the way to a meaningful Christmas may be found simply by reaching for it.

"We reach for the decorations to adorn our homes, offices, churches," says Mike McKay, Senior Pastor. "We also reach out relationally with cards, family letters, gifts and such."

But, as Pastor Mike explains, there may be something else for which to reach. "To reach Christmas is to reach out and gain a greater understanding of who Jesus is, what is significant about Him, and what knowing Him in a personal way can allow us to reach – hope, peace, joy, and love."

On Sunday, December 19th at 4:30 and 7 p.m., a "Community Christmas Worship Concert" is planned. A total of four churches, as well as others from the community including choir and orchestra, will combine to lead those attending in worshiping the newborn King. On Christmas Eve, at 4:30 and 7 p.m., the birth of Jesus will be celebrated at a candlelight service.

Through these and other events, including providing meals for homeless and needy people on Christmas day, the Church hopes to restore and preserve the true meaning of Christmas.

For many, experiencing a meaningful Christmas is hard because of its commercialization. Shopping sprees and the much-anticipated gift exchange on December 25 are as intertwined with Christmas as much as Jesus' birth. In other words, it has become a day about ourselves, though few would like to think of it that way.

Nonetheless, Pastor Mike points out, "We know that at this time of year, people are a little more open to explore and consider the Christ in Christmas." "Our series, 'Reach Christmas' (and studying the gospel of Luke) will remind us to center our Christmas on Christ as we connect and reconnect to a deeper relationship with Jesus," adds Pastor Mike.

If you would like to find out more about these events, call the Cypress Church office at (714) 952-3001. Child care will be available at both the concert and candlelight service for infants through 6th grade. The church campus is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. The public is welcome at Sunday services and Bible studies that are held at 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. as well as many other activities throughout each week. Visit http://www.cypresschurch.net/

Photo caption – Never too young to learn what the spirit of Christmas is all about, a group of children from Cypress Church reaching out to their community through Christmas caroling.

Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001 - http://www.cypresschurch.net

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