Fête de Noël: The True Meaning of Christmas

Last weekend our church hosted a Fête de Noël (Christmas Party) for our city.  We rented the local Bridge Club, performed a short skit, sang Christmas songs, and shared homemade cookies.

Our goal was to bless the city, to meet new people, and to share the True meaning of Christmas:  The God of the universe loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son in the form of a human baby so that we may be reconciled to Him.  

A lot of work was put into this party - hours of writing, planning, creating, decorating, baking, practicing, singing....  

Sometimes, if I'm honest, I asked myself if it was worth it.  We will never really know the value of this event, but we can say that the Gospel was clearly presented in Aix-les-Bains.  People who do not yet have a relationship with Jesus heard of His great love for us.  And ultimately, 50 people enjoyed the warm, familial atmosphere that is our church community.  

We also learned a lot about each other, working as a team, and about communicating with our city.  

I'd say it was a successful event,  but you can judge for yourself based on the article below (translated by Google) that one of our guests wrote for our church website:

Christmas

It is obvious that we have a strong tendency nowadays to forget the deeper meaning of the word. Christmas what if it is a day that we share with the people we love or we dread fear of loneliness. Also it is true that the consumer society in which we live annihilates the true meaning of this feast that the children yet generally wait with great anticipation. But why? Because they know deep down that it is a party in their honor, and which also, of course, refers to the birth of Jesus.

"Le Rivage", on December 14 in Aix les Bains, then we wanted to discover the true meaning of this tradition. Their desire was to reveal to the eyes of those who wish, that Christmas is more than a celebration enhanced by flashy ads that appear on television, besides, if we take into account the description of this celebration, this Christmas is not that at all. With their staging, the questions posed to children, music performed with sincerity and nicely done play, then we understand that Christmas is sharing all.

The warmth was the element that dominated the most during and at the end of the show that was given in honor of Jesus and what he has brought positive and beautiful men. We feel that in the end, what we must remember is that this festival is made to celebrate another, whatever it is, to welcome, to open his arms. Christmas is that too: humans, and do not forget that life has meaning only, and only if, it is known to share it with kindness, respect and love.

So a big thank you to the organizers of this presentation of Christmas, for making us see with the eyes as the heart, they are the true values linked to Christmas. Happiness, hope and love are at the foot of your tree on December 25 in the morning, that's all we wish you.

A very Merry Christmas to all!