Groth Report December 2008

From the Word

And you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Luke 2:21

Many of you know that we have just returned from mission education presentations and family time in the United States. We watched as news reporters showed the drop in consumer sales, the announcement of a recession. We heard commentators tell of US economic woes and the impact this would have around the world. One commentator shared the prediction for the season, "There won't be much of a Christmas for many people this year." We all know what he was saying. Much of the world equates the Christmas trappings of family gatherings, food and presents with what makes Christmas.

It was interesting to see a contrast of attitude by a local Christian businessman here in Cambodia. When he saw my Christmas tee shirt he smiled the broadest smile. Was he thinking of increased Christmas sales or the ring of the cash register? No, as he explained, “Christmas is a great time here. Everyone wants to know what Christmas is all about. I'm going to show you my plan." He brought out a simple Christmas book with the story of Jesus the Savior and some activities to learn about the real meaning of Christmas. Then he told me that he had 28,000 of these booklets printed for sharing. I begged for one hundred for our church in Battambang. "No problem,” he said; "these are for giving away."

I walked away from his business with one hundred copies. Half a block later I saw a carved nativity in a small craft shop. When I went in to ask the price there was confusion. I asked the young shop worker to call his boss about the price of the Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus. He didn't understand what I was talking about. I left him one of the booklets and said that I would check back in the morning. When I returned he told me he had read the booklet and then described to his boss what I wanted. Progress?? Sharing the real meaning??

Next day I wore my Christmas tee shirt. It says, "Jesus is the joy of Christmas." We stopped at our half way stop on the road between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, and the young people there were interested in the tee shirt. Our Cambodian worker, Jesse, went to the car and got out some of the booklets for them. They were delighted to read and work on the activities. A reason to celebrate - you bet!!!

Yes, I assure you there will be "much of a reason to celebrate Christmas this year." The real message of the birth of the Savior is as real and joyful as ever. Christians around the world will still be able to use Christ's birth as a time to share what the Gospel message of salvation is all about. “For us in David's city a Savior is born." That's much of a reason to celebrate any time. Oh, by the way, we're going back to our friend for more booklets!! The message of the real joy of Christmas just begs to be shared.

We are so thankful that God has given us safe travels throughout our time of sharing in the US and also for our safe return to Cambodia. We are thankful for time with our family, which is another reason to celebrate. How are you going to celebrate His birth this year? What are you planning that will share with others the real reason we celebrate?

Celebrating His birth and our salvation,

 

Chuck and Jeanette Groth

 

 

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Young people at our half-way point delighted with their new books about Christmas