Christmas 2007

Dear Friend of Contemporary Communication,

I want to begin this letter by saying that this is definitely one of my favorite times of the year. Inevitably, I connect with people where maybe a connection has been lost and/or there has not been a lot of contact. That is meaningful! Also, there is no other time during the year when people are more open to hearing about the hope, the life and the reality of Jesus Christ. There is a different presence in the air!

At The River Community Church, we will be having four outstanding Christmas Experiences. If you are in town or near the northwest suburbs, I invite you to be at one of our Experiences...11am & 7pm on December 23rd and 3pm & 5pm on December 24th. Enclosed is an invitation. Invite your family and friends and join us to experience Christmas Revealed.

Right now I am challenging people, along with other members of our staff to live the message of Christmas 365 days of the year. In fact, it says in 1 Peter 2 that we are living stones, living examples of the life and love of Christ. What an opportunity we have each and every day

On November 12th, I had the opportunity to speak at Spring Arbor University. Sharing in their chapel is a privilege. Every single time I speak there, the very presence of God is real. That is because of outstanding leadership, a phenomenal worship team and faculty and students expecting God to make Himself known. On this day I shared a concept that is not practiced often, often overlooked and yet so crucial to deepening our walk with Jesus. That is listening to God...not praise, not giving our request to God, not thanksgiving; but as it says in the scriptures, waiting upon the Lord - being still and knowing that there is a God. God desires to speak to each and every one us us daily. As we know from Elijah, it doesn't often come in an earthquake, wind or fire; but often God meets us in the caves of life and speaks in the small whisper. Are you listening?

It is my prayer this Christmas season that you will embrace the Christ of Christmas - the God of the universe - in a new way and take some time to listen to the voice, the whisper, the gentle nudge of God.

I know this time of year you are bombarded with requests for money, goods and your time. If you would feel led at this time to send an extra gift or to send a first-time gift, know that your contributions will be used wisely and appropriately. Without your prayers and financial partnership, it would not be possible to continue this ministry.

On November 13th, Jeanette and I had the privilege of ministering in Defiance, Ohio. Jeanette sang and shared a little bit of her journey with Christ; and I had the privilege of speaking. This was a great opportunity because individuals from Youth for Christ/Campus Life were very instrumental in Jeanette's growth and maturity as a follower of Christ. Some of those people are still involved. There were hundreds at this banquet and again, God was honored. Why? Individuals - from the Chairman of the Board , the staff and those who attended - know, believe and live out the reality that the Christ of Christmas makes a difference in a life!

In 2008, we are going to continue to share this message. This month and next year, we will continue to reach the largest number of people with the greatest message that can ever be shared...that the Christmas story, the fact that Emmanuel - God with us - came, can change a life. Yours, mine and others if we listen.

Merry Christmas! Thanks for your partnership.

Terry Prisk