NCN Global News Summary	Volume 0851	December 23, 2008
Christmas — always in style While there are numerous themes associated with Christmas, there are several that seem to be expressed in every culture and in every location. Apart from being the focal point of the Christian religion's celebration of the birth of Christ, these themes give our Christmas celebrations cultural uniqueness. When we think of Christmas, we think of traditions—often handed down across the years, linking us with memories and connecting us with family, friends, and loved ones. Christmas is a time of festivity. From the Christmas programs in local churches to the holiday celebrations of elaborate pageants, the festive mood of Christmas serves to cheer and inspire us. Christmas, however, is more than just a time of food, family, and friends. It is a time to think of giving. God gave his only son that we might experience fellowship with him and know that our sins have been forgiven. From the Global Ministry Center, we wish to express our gratitude to those who have given so much this year. To the families of slain pastors in India; to parents whose Christmas table will have one less plate because of the loss of a child, we know that you have given priceless gifts back to God who is our Creator and Redeemer. Around the world, servants of Christ working in the Church of the Nazarene have sacrificially given their time and energies so that others may have something themselves. From the evangelist heralding the Good News, to the volunteer working to bring potable water to arid lands, these gifts, sanctified by God, are like the gifts of the Magi to the infant Christ in Bethlehem's manger. From every one of us in the NCN News team and our colleagues in ministry at the Global Ministry Center, we wish you a Christmas of peace! David J. Felter, senior editor Chad Schnarr, managing editor Lindsay Ralph, editorial assistant Note: NCN News will resume its normal Global News Summary schedule on January 9, 2009. In the event of breaking news during the holidays, stories will be posted to ncnnews.com. Global Ministry Center Holiday Schedule While there will be no staff at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center December 24 through January 4, if an emergency need arises for communication of information during the Christmas holidays, please leave a voice mail message at the following number:  913-577-0604.  That number will be checked 2-3 times each day. --GMC Operations Office A full text edition of this week's Global News Summary is available here: Printable Global News Summary (PDF) For daily updates of Nazarene news, see ncnnews.com throughout the week. Be sure to click on "Forward to a Friend" below to share any stories appearing in this week's NCN News.
Senior Editor: Dr. David J. Felter Managing Editor: Chad E. Schnarr Contact us: Nazarene Communications Network 17001 Prairie Star Parkway Lenexa, KS 66220 USA Voice: (913) 577-0562 Fax: (913) 901-8518 Email: ncnnews@ncnnews.com Material created and owned by NCN News may be used for newsletters and bulletins. This E-mail is sent from an automated system. Please do not reply.