“Jewelry is the gift to give. It’s the gift that lives and lives….Give the gift you know can’t fail... from BC Clark’s Anniversary Sale!” Here’s a shortened version of the famous B.C. Clark Christmas jingle. You can listen to it anytime on YouTube. It was written in 1956, the same year that a very adorable and beautiful Pastor’s wife was born – Dec. 14th to be exact! The jingle “signals” Christmas in the OKC Metro. I had never heard of it before I moved to OKC; but now it’s become a part of our Christmas tradition as well. It’s a very catchy jingle – light and joyful. I hope the songwriter was paid well for it! Jim Clark and I are in the downtown Rotary Club together. He’s got a great family business and a beautiful store. I also appreciate that they will give 3% of the purchase price of any item back to the local church of your choice. We’ve actually received a few checks to First Church over the years. So be sure to ask; if you’re fortunate enough to be shopping at B.C. Clarks!

It speaks of jewelry as the gift that lives and lives. Absolutely brilliant from a marketing strategy, because everyone wants to give a gift that gives; though obviously overstated. I appreciate each of you who were able to donate blood last Sunday morning. It truly is a gift that gives that helps others to live. I was very proud of each of you. I especially was proud of Rachel Janka who donated her first pint of blood last weekend at 16!

The greatest gifts are not necessarily the most expensive. Often they are the ones that took the most time to select, create, package and deliver in just the right way. But really; it’s the thought that counts! I was reading today about some gifts you might want to give this Christmas Season that won’t cost you much money at all. We’re just 16 days away from Christmas, so here are a few ideas from Acts of Kindness by Hanoch and Meladee McCarty for each day:
1. Smile!
2. Provide a shoulder to lean on.
3. Pat someone on the back.
4. Say “thank you!”
5. Give an unexpected kiss...
6. …or a warm hug!
7. Say, “You look wonderful!” and mean it!
8. Rub a tired back.
9. Whistle when you’re feeling down.
10. Say “Good morning,” even if it isn’t.
11. Empty the trash when it isn’t your turn.
12. Send a “Thinking of you” card to a friend.
13. Say something nice to someone.
14. Visit an elderly shut-in.
15. Keep a confidence.
16. Share a dream

This season we celebrate the gift that truly does give and live. A very expensive gift given with each of us personally in mind.” For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” –John 3:16 That truly is a priceless gift. One we all can give and know “can’t fail!” Bless you all!

Yours in Christ,
Mark

PS –It was great to worship all together last Sunday morning! Be sure to invite someone “Home to First Church” this Sunday, as we begin to grow closer to Jesus and each other this Advent Season. Our children will be singing and our Advent Choir too!