The Kreider Connection
Racers For Christ
December, 2008 Newsletter
I think I can detect the approaching sound of sleigh bells. Could it really be that the Christmas season is almost here? Our thoughts turn to lots of delicious food and gifts under the tree. Can we still reach back into our hearts and feel like a kid again, if only at this time of year? Remember the excitement of unknown surprises all wrapped up in holiday paper and tied with a bow?
But is this season all about what we will be receiving? We only receive when someone else gives, and we should be part of that equation. Is there more joy in giving or receiving, or do they all fit together some how? If only the world around us could understand this throughout the year. So whether rich or poor, in plenty or need, grab hold of your blessings and refuse to dwell on the problems. Give what you can to those you love and people in need. Receive what you’re given with a smile of appreciation to the love of the giver. After all, is love not the real key to the secret of the season?
If it weren’t for God’s love for each one of us, there would have been no manger, no Christ child. How different things would be! Often we miss the meaning of Jesus’ birth or we think only of what it means for His followers to have such a great retirement plan with Him. But I need His help as He walks with me each and every day. We all want to be independent, at least until we meet face to face with something bigger than us. Life in this old world today can be a scary ride, unless we have the faith and confidence to know He rides with us. A world without Christmas is a world without any hope at all.
Speaking of a scary ride, the economy in many areas is just plain frightening. We understand and know God will provide and never want any of you to feel pressured by us. We do want to hear from you – the enclosed envelope in the mailed letters can be used for that. Our email friends all know how to hit ‘reply’. If you are blessed we would be privileged to rejoice with you. If you have challenges please let us pray with you for God’s guidance, help and strength.
We wish you and yours a Christmas filled with joy!
Glenn and Linda Kreider
976 Coyote Ave., Greenville, IL 62246
Phone: 618-292-6048
Email: kreiders@papadocs.com
Note:
My father went to be with Jesus Oct 27th. This will be his first Christmas in heaven with Jesus and my mother. Thank you for the many cards, emails and phone calls. Glenn
A few reminders:
Please remember our annual RFC/DRAW silent auction which will be held Friday night and Saturday at the NHRA Div. 3 Banquet – Jan. 9 & 10, 2009
If you send a donation, for IRS reasons the check must be made payable to RFC and my name may not appear anywhere on the check. (You may put North Central Director in the memo.)
The Extra Electric Train – A Christmas Memory
By Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Though money didn’t flow as freely as the rain that winter, my parents worked with joyful anticipation to give my brother and me a Christmas present we would never forget. They scrimped for months and then spent more than they could probably afford for a Marx electric train.
Then the day before Christmas, a cousin stationed at a nearby military base pulled into the driveway. Opening the trunk of his car he lifted out a large heavy box. My brother and I could hardly wait to see what it was. On Christmas morning we opened it first. Eagerly we unwrapped an expensive new electric train set. Wow! You had to pull us down off the ceiling. A Lionel train, too! Then we opened the presents from our parents – another electric train. Ho hum. And not nearly as extravagant as the one from our cousin. Guess whose we played with most?
Mom and Dad were hurt. The outlay for an unmarried Air Force lieutenant was nothing compared to the sacrifice my parents had made. But all we saw was the glamour of an expensive train. We counted our parents’ gift as merely a nice accessory.
Our heavenly Father spends many a disappointing Christmas. Amidst the glittering ornaments and flashing Christmas lights, the hurry and hustle of shopping and wrapping and family get-togethers, parties and presents, trees and turkeys – who really cares about His gift? What gets more attention from us: our Father’s gift of life in Jesus Christ or the quickly-wrapped department store gifts from our cousins?
Thank you, Father, for Jesus. Thank you for the abundant life that we, His disciples, can enjoy now. Thank you for sending us a most expensive gift – your own life. Thank you!