Merry Christmas!

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 

That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

God became human.

Yet God didn't just fashion a new body and then strut into town as a powerful and merciful conquerer, fixing all that was wrong.

God didn't choose to be born a prince or to a family of power.

 

God became weak and powerless...experienced the depths of humanity.

God became flesh as a baby born to unwed peasants far from home alongside animals.

Love became flesh: Jesus.

 

God did this for you, for me, for all who experience brokenness, for all who have experienced love or joy, for all who feel like the world is crazy, for all of humanity and all of creation...

 

And now we celebrate this unlikely birth. 

Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ.  All praise to God!

 

Have a very merry and joyful Christmas!

 

Grace and peace,

Ben

 

 

(12/12) Playing with kids to make a more joyful Christmas, Quotes, and more!

Good luck on finals!  Remember that even during these stressful times, God is with you.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you over break as you travel, spend time with family and friends, and celebrate the birth of Christ.  Below is information on our last event of the semester this Sunday -- and a request for your quotes or stories...

STUDY BREAK: Help make Christmas more JOYFUL for families in need:  We'll help out at shopping day at the Katherine K Hanley Shelter by playing with kids while parents shop, or maybe wrapping gifts and acting as personal shoppers.  Sunday, December 14th meeting at the 20 minute parking behind SUB I at 12:30pm.  We'll return by 3:30pm, so you can get back to studying.  Facebook event .

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS:  WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY STORIES?  We'd love to collect some of your thoughts or experiences on LCM and our events.  Whether it is a single sentence or a few paragraphs, your quotes and stories matter to us -- and to the local congregations that provide the funding that makes our ministry possible.  Write about service events, the fall retreat, Hunger and Homelessness Action Week, 747, or what LCM means to you.  (These may be used on our websites or in brochures, newsletters, or fund raising letters.)  Send your thoughts, quotes, stories, pictures, and/or questions to lutheran@gmu.edu 

"ALTERNATIVE" SPRING BREAK TRIP: Spend your spring break helping families in the continuing disaster recovery efforts along the gulf coast.  No experience necessary, as we will learn how to do whatever is needed once there.  Please let us know if you are thinking of going.  Facebook event .

REFLECTIONS FOR THE JOURNEY -- Lutheran Campus Ministry and United College Ministries are providing a daily meditation guide for students, written by those involved with the University Lutheran Center at South Dakota State University.  Contact lutheran@gmu.edu for your copy.  (You can subscribe a different email devotional here or view online here .)

747 WILL RESUME NEXT SEMESTER:  Starting January 21st, we'll meet every Wednesday at 7:47pm.  See http://GMU747.org for locations.  Also, let us know if you want to be part of a team helping to plan worship one week.    

Dear Lord, we thank you for being present with our community.  As we look toward break, may be go forth into the world to serve God with gladness; be of good courage; hold fast to that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honor all people; love and serve God, rejoicing in the power the Holy Spirit.  Thanks be to God!  AMEN.

747 at the Mathy House & Playing with kids to make a more joyful Christmas

This week is the last 747 of the semester, and it will be at the Mathy House, home of President and Mrs. Merten.  It is looking to be a wonderful evening with good food, great music, and a celebratory Advent worship service.  There is still space for a some more people, so invite your friends, but please make sure you and they RSVP either on Facebook or at http://gmu747.org (we want to make sure we have enough space on the bus).  A few transportation details:

-- We'll load the bus starting at 6:30pm on Wednesday, December 10th, by the bus shelter in front of Parking Services (between the Sandy Creek Parking Deck and Enterprise Hall).
-- Look for a white bus with blue lettering saying "Lord of Life Lutheran Church" (they've been kind enough to volunteer to provide transportation for us!)

-- The bus will leave campus around 6:40pm, and we expect to be back on campus by 9:10pm so everyone can get back to studying for finals and such.

STUDY BREAK: Help make Christmas more JOYFUL for families in need:  We'll help out at shopping day at the Katherine K Hanley Shelter by playing with kids while parents shop, or maybe wrapping gifts and acting as personal shoppers.  Sunday, December 14th meeting at the 20 minute parking behind SUB I at 12:30pm.  We'll return by 3:30pm, so you can get back to studying.  Facebook event .

"ALTERNATIVE" SPRING BREAK TRIP: Spend your spring break helping families in the continuing disaster recovery efforts along the gulf coast.  No experience necessary, as we will learn how to do whatever is needed once there.  Please let us know if you are thinking of going.  Facebook event .

REFLECTIONS FOR THE JOURNEY -- Lutheran Campus Ministry and United College Ministries are providing a daily meditation guide for students, written by those involved with the University Lutheran Center at South Dakota State University.  Contact lutheran@gmu.edu for your copy.  (You can subscribe a different email devotional here or view online here .)

Grace and peace,

Ben

--
"Now there is no godlessness, no hatred, no sin which God has not carried, suffered, and atoned. Now there is no reality, no world that is not reconciled and in peace with God. God did this in the beloved son Jesus Christ."  ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

(12/1) Advent meditations, 747 at the Mathy House, Christmas party, Adopt-A-Family, and more!

The fatal trampling of a Wal-Mart staffer by shoppers trying to get the best deals on "black Friday" has a lot of people talking.  It sounds like the shoppers at that store were more upset that the store closed for a few hours, than that a person died.  Advent is a time of expectant waiting, preparation, and celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ.  It's great to give gifts to our friends and family, but the consumerist way that we celebrate Christmas has gotten out of control.  I encourage you to take time this Advent to focus on Jesus.  Spend time with scripture and think about what the birth of this child means for you, and for the world.

REFLECTIONS FOR THE JOURNEY -- Lutheran Campus Ministry and United College Ministries are providing a daily meditation guide for students, written by those involved with the University Lutheran Center at South Dakota State University.  Contact lutheran@gmu.edu for your copy.  (You can subscribe a different email devotional here or view online here .)

747 this week will be in SUB I meeting room B (on the 3rd floor).  All are welcome, and every week is different.  If you haven't checked it out yet, what are you waiting for?  Feed your hunger for community Wednesday, 12/3 at 7:47pm.

CHRISTMAS PARTY: On Friday, Dec. 5th, we'll gather on campus to watch Christmas movies, eat holiday cookies, hang out, etc.  3pm-9pm.  Contact lutheran@gmu.edu for more address and other details, or RSVP for the Facebook event!

747 will be at the Mathy House on Wednesday, December 10th -- Join the celebration as we explore the coming of Jesus the Christ, not merely as a historic event, but as something we can anticipate. What does it mean to wait for Jesus to come?  There will be socializing, refreshments, music, and worship including song, discussion, and communion.  The Mathy House is the home of President and Mrs. Merten, who have graciously allowed us to use their home for this event. Transportation will be provided by a local congregation who has offered us use of their bus, so invite your friends. We want to make sure that we have enough space and food for everyone, so please RSVP by emailing rsvp@gmu747.org , submitting the form at GMU747.org , or joining the Facebook event.

STUDY BREAK: Help make Christmas more JOYFUL for families in need:  We'll help out at shopping day at the Katherine K Hanley Shelter by playing with kids while parents shop, or maybe wrapping gifts and acting as personal shoppers.  Sunday, December 14th meeting at the 20 minute parking behind SUB I at 12:30pm.  We'll return by 3:30pm, so you can get back to studying.  Facebook event .

"ALTERNATIVE" SPRING BREAK TRIP: Spend your spring break helping families in the continuing disaster recovery efforts along the gulf coast.  No experience necessary, as we will learn how to do whatever is needed once there.  Please let us know if you are thinking of going.

 

TABLE TALK:  Joining our UCM friends for their weekly Table Talk every Thursday at 7pm at St. George's United Methodist Church (4910 Ox Rd, Fairfax -- just south of Braddock).  Free food and fellowship!  All are welcome. Email dmay@gmu.edu for more information.

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Lord, help us to step outside the consumerist chaos of our culture, to spend this Advent focusing on you.  Help us to see you more clearly during these weeks.  In Christ we pray, AMEN.

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In general, ALL students, faculty, or staff at GMU or any other college in northern Virginia are invited and welcomed at our events. Being "Lutheran" is never expected or required. All times, dates, and locations are subject to change. Check for updates at http://gmu.edu/org/lutheran or the "GMU Lutherans" Facebook group -- also, friend LCM here.