Mike Slaughter reminds us that Christmas is not our birthday, it is Jesus' birthday.  On December 25 we celebrate the birth of our Lord by giving gifts to family and friends as if it was our birthday.  Why aren't we giving gifts to Jesus? But then what would we give to the Son of God who already has all things?  There is nothing Jesus would want for Christmas other than our love.  Jesus would want us to show our love for Him by loving one another as God in Jesus Christ loves us.

Each Sunday during Advent you will have a chance to give a gift to Jesus by supporting four ministries that make a difference in the lives of  those who are often forgotten or ignored.  The four ministries are:

• The Salvation Army of Newton, Iowa
• Women at the Well, a United Methodist congregation at the Iowa Women's Correctional Facility in Mitchellville, Iowa
• The Food Bank of Iowa in Des Moines, Iowa
• Heifer Project International

Make at least a $10.00 gift to one of these ministries and you will receive a certificate that you can give to a family member or friend letting them know that you gave a gift in their name this Christmas.  This is just one of many ways to give a gift to someone who already has everything they need.

If you pay by check please make it out to Newton First United Methodist Church and in the memo, mark the ministry you wish to support.  The church will then give you the certificate you can give as a Christmas gift and send your financial contribution to the ministry you requested.

Again, the certificates are available at worship each Sunday of Advent or you can stop by the church office and pick one up.  I believe Jesus would love a gift in support of any one of these special ministries supporting the poor, lonely, incarcerated, oppressed, and marginalized.