Hello HB,

Happy first week of December! I hope this note finds you well. How’s the Christmas preparation going? We have our tree up and decorated and a few lights outside! I consider that a success even if I didn’t get ALL the decorations up that we wanted. ha ha.

Since many of you will be attending a BUNCH of Christmas parties with people you don’t know, I thought I would give you some Christmas facts you can use as conversation starters to help break the ice. Did you know?

1. Each year more than 3 billion Christmas cards are sent in the U.S. alone.
2. The Germans made the first artificial Christmas trees out of dyed goose feathers.
3. Approximately 30-35 million real (living) Christmas trees are sold each year in the U.S.
4. According to Guinness World Records, the tallest Christmas tree ever cut was a 221-foot Douglas Fir that was displayed in 1950 at the Northgate Shopping Center in Seattle, Washington.
5. According to data analyzed from Facebook posts, two weeks before Christmas is one of the two most popular times for couples to break up. However, Christmas Day is the least favorite day for breakups.

Now you can feel prepared for even the toughest of conversations!

When we talk about the Christmas season, the word preparation often comes to mind – preparing for family gatherings, parties, gifts for kids and loved ones. Just don’t forget to start now, while things are ramping up, to prepare your heart as well. A good way to do that is by reading our Advent emails that offer Scripture and a short message to help orient our hearts toward Jesus each day. Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” We want to be people who are able to celebrate and throw parties with the best of them this season, celebrating the arrival of Jesus. And, it starts with intentional preparation. I know I need it.

Sign up for our Advent emails here. Or follow us on Facebook and read our posts there. Don’t miss out on our Christmas Tree Lighting at Bella Terra. It will be a great way to bring your friends and neighbors out to celebrate. Also, we are having pancakes this Sunday after every service. Come to church hungry and BRING A FRIEND! Who doesn’t like pancakes??

Jairus

P.S.: Listen to past messages here.

P.S.S.: Give to Mariners HB here.