Dec 16 - Inside Out

I was given the opportunity to give a 15-minute Xmas talk to our High Schoolers here @ Quest.  With my son in attendance, of course I obliged :)

Here is the full transcript:  (give or take a few hundred spontaneous words :)

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- What does the word "Christmas" really mean?

> "Christmas" originated from the term "Christ's Mass"; a phrase first recorded in 1038.

- Dec 25, really???

> The exact date that Jesus Christ was born is not known.

> The first Christmas was celebrated the year 350 AD when Pope Julius I officially designated December 25 to celebrate Christ's birth. 

- China does not celebrate Xmas (20% of world pop)

- India does not (18% or world)

> which means just these 2 countries, 1 out of every 3 people in the world do not celebrate Xmas

> don't take Christmas celebrations for granted

> Illustrate with volunteers

continue to ... 3 Wise Men > REWARD  - Names of the 3 Wise Men

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St Nicholas - Turkey

- Christian leader; 4th Century (AD 300)

- was known for his generosity in giving to those less fortunate, as well as giving to children

- or as the world knows him... Santa Claus

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CLOSE YOUR EYES

a) Aside from family or Jesus, what is the best Christmas gift you've ever RECEIVED?

b) What is the best Christmas gift you've ever GIVEN?

HOLD THAT THOUGHT, OPEN EYES

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Christmas is a time when nearly every person's thoughts turn to gifts and giving. Some of us may open our gifts on Christmas morning while others may open them on Christmas Eve. There may be a few that will wait to a later date to open them, but every gift is given with one purpose, and that is that it will be opened by the one who receives it!

It seems that even with all the talk about the economy, gift buying and giving will be as strong as ever. Last year, from Oct.-Dec. people spent $400 Billion on gifts. In perspective, if you spent $1000 per SECOND (or 40,000 pesos), you would need to do it non-stop for 15 years to at least get close to $400 Billion. Altogether now, WOW!

Giving one another gifts has been a part of the Christmas celebration for many years. It symbolizes the love we have for each other, and it is a reminder that God loved us so much that He gave a wonderful gift for each one of us… God's Christmas gift to all of us.

- This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.  (John 3:16)

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Discussion Small Groups:

a) Aside from family or Jesus, what is the best Christmas gift you've ever RECEIVED?

b) What is the best Christmas gift you've ever GIVEN?

c) What can you do to give more this Christmas? (time, money, talents, effort, forgiveness, etc)

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