Celebrating Christmas

By Laura Laing

Christians around the world celebrate our Savior’s birth by giving and receiving gifts. Partners, friends and special guests alike experienced this holiday celebration on December 16, 2007 at International Family Church's Tree of Blessing Outreach.

Over 100 families from Lawrence were transported by bus to 99 Concord Street for our annual outreach. After presenting the Christmas Story through puppet shows, an illustrated sermon, skits, and videos the guests were treated to cider, munchkins and fellowship.

Then, the moment the children had been waiting for…GIFTS! Over 261 gifts were handed out to our exuberant guests - children, ages newborn to 12. Teenagers who came were treated to fun and games in Legacy Youth Center and gift cards to Old Navy or Kohl’s.

IFC would like to thank North Reading Transportation Company from Methuen for their generous donation of buses and drivers for this event. “Thank you” also goes out to all of those who took time out of their busy holiday schedules to invest in the lives of our friends from Lawrence. All the gifts that were distributed came as a result of the generous donations of IFC’s Partners and friends. God so loved the world He gave – and through IFC’s many volunteers, the gift goes on!

Saturday evening brought Christmas cheer to all who attended IFC’s Living Nativity. If you attended then you know that “Jack Frost was nippin’ at your nose!” but not even the sub-zero temperature could keep the faithful from experiencing this IFC tradition.

It was a winter wonderland come to life! Horse drawn hay rides took riders on a scenic view of IFC’s lighting display. Oxen and sheep awaited the children in our large production tent. And then there was the re-enactment of the Christmas story, narrated by IFC’s first lady, Rev. Verna Del Turco, and brought to life by talented actors. IFC’s ensemble and choir provided heavenly music to help tell the story. After each production complimentary hot cider and donuts were served.

Some special guests included senior citizens from Wilmington who had been served dinner prior to the Living Nativity by IFC’s Meals with a Mission team. It was our pleasure to have these “prime timers” join us for our special celebration.

It was another great year as IFC brought “Joy to the World” with another fine musical production and heart-warming Christmas event!