Ginger Eckeard, one of our Elders, encouraged us with this words on Dec. 28 the fourth day of Christmas.

I was going to talk to you about the cost of raising a baby today, especially one who is like, a big leader in the Christian Church. But then I thought, to take another path. A clearer choice.

Three days ago Christians celebrated the birth of a baby boy child around the world. It is a profound celebration for believers, it is highly expensive for those who celebrate by shopping. For over 5 weeks, actually since Thanksgiving, we have been inundated with reports about the crowds, the bargains, the amount of money spent. Even the fight over a $4.00 Barbie Doll in the Los Angeles Area that resulted in an arrest was particularly bizarre.

In a huge heartfelt way, now the burden of the cost of Christmas falls not on the shoppers, but on the celebratory Christians. With the birth of Jesus, we have a task, we have a mission from God. Not to be the best shopper, but to be the best giver. We are called to share the news of the baby Jesus, and what that means to each one of us and to the world. We are called to be stewards of the Church in what we have and who we are. We are called to give, so that the message can be heard far and wide. We are called to help others, include others, love others. This is the ministry we gladly accept.

Born and raised in Southern California, Julie Roberts-Fronk serves as one of the co-pastors of First Christian Church, Pomona. When not preaching, she enjoys eating great food, gardening in her large vegetable garden and spending time with her family. Her regular series on the church blog, "Julie's Jar" is a thoughtful series of reflections on the Christian life and walk. She is a Reiki Master and incorporates much of that work into her ministry at FCC Pomona.

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