CHRISTMAS IS

The year 2011 has been a very wonderful year in one way and a challenging year in another, but also a year of great accomplishments in the kingdom of God.
We have had a tough economy in Uganda which has resulted into riots and many other challenges. This is the year when we have had less days and nights with electricity, the power shortage has been very stressful. 2011 started with a long drought but it has ended with too much rain and floods. Despite of all that, God has done amazing things.
We at Gaba Community Church have seen numerical growth in our church, our giving has gone up by a very big percentage. We are ending the year with a new floor, very beautiful parking and a great new face. We have celebrated many weddings, many children have been born in our church family and I am amazed at how God has blessed our people financially.
As you celebrate this Christmas and beginning a new year 2012, I want you to remember three things for this season.

1) This is a time to worship. When the shepherd saw baby Jesus, they stopped everything and worshipped. When you remember what God has done for you this year, you need to worship Him.
Jesus is a gift for us. He has provided for our salvation.
Through Him we have access to our God; through Him we have a big family of brothers and Sisters. So friends this is a time to worship.
Matthew 2:11. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (NIV)
Luke 2:20. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (NIV)

2) This is a time to give. God so loved the world that He gave us Jesus. I want to encourage you to use this time to remember people that God has brought in your life that have been a blessing to you, they may be your parents, your spouse, your children, friends or workmates. Can you think about what you can do to appreciate them, may be a card, a gift or a word of appreciation.
John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV)
John 12:2-3
2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (NIV)

3) This is a time to commit ourselves to service. When Jesus came, He came to serve us, to show us what it means to live for God, and what it means to serve our neighbours.
As we look forward to 2012, we are challenging you to give God your hands, feet and your talents,
What is it that you can do?
What is it that you are able to do?
What is it that you are gifted to do?
What is it that you are passionate about?
This is a time to give our service to God.
Matthew 20:26-28
26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”(NIV)

We pray for a Merry Christmas and a beautiful New Year 2012

Yours in Christ,
Peter and Irene Kasirivu &
The Leadership of Gaba Community Church.