From now until Christmas Day, most local churches provide ample opportunity for seekers and attendees to come and get their cups filled with some good old fashioned Christmas cheer. (Real Christmas cheer as in “the reason for the season”—not just the festive fluff seen everywhere at this time of year.)
Calvary Chapel, Oceanside is focusing on children this weekend. They’re providing an awesome children’s musical, It’s A Wonderful Life showing Friday December 9th at 7pm, and a matinee showing Saturday December 10th at 1pm. Admission is free and the fabulous musical story is appropriate for all ages.
College Avenue Baptist Church is hosting their Annual Celebration on Sunday December 11th from 11.30am to 1pm in their Family Center. This is particularly a time of reflection on what God has done over the past year, and a time to discuss expectations for the following year around some light refreshments.
This Sunday, the Flood Church in San Diego will express Christmas through the medium of Christmas Concerts and a Christmas Shoppe—an alternative shopping experience allowing buyers to purchase on a fair trade basis benefiting those in need. Gifts will cost less than in stores, and can be bought with a double purpose—to bless others (for whom you’re buying) and to bless others (from whom you’re buying). Free refreshments will be offered as well as a fun decorating opportunity for the children.
In Vista, North Coast Church has a plethora of opportunities to help the underprivileged during Christmas. Stop by at any of their campuses before or after services to pick up a ticket for an Angel Tree and pick out a gift for a needy child.
Or if you’re looking for a girly shopping experience, attend the MOPS Holiday Fashion Show tonight, Friday, December 9th at 5:30pm at the Vista campus. You will see the latest fashions from brand-name clothing and high-end boutiques, trendy accessories, and everything a gal could want for herself or to buy a girlfriend or family member—all at 50-75% off retail! Hors d'oeuvres will be served. Entrance fee costs $10 in advance or $12 at the door.
For a place that’s family oriented but a little less churchy, consider talking your children to the YMCA in Oceanside for Breakfast with Santa on Saturday morning, December 10th from 9-11.30am. Admission is free to members and inexpensive for others. There will also be a Yard Sale with Christmassy type of wares. Proceeds support the Y’s scholarship program.
So, whether you have children or grandchildren to bless, or just a long list of people on your Christmas shopping list—or if you’re simply looking for ways to help those who have much less than you—there’s no excuse to stay home this weekend. You can do it all at one of the local Christian organizations.
Janey L. DeMeo, M.A.
Copyright © December 2011
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