Luke 2:8-12 (NIV) -- 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone round them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
These words resonate all year long, but especially at Christmastime: "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." The baby Jesus, the Messiah, the Savior was that great news--the great joy for all the people. When I think of all people today, I think of "community"; that special place where the local church can make such a difference for every individual.
In nearly each story in WFM's Nov/Dec issue, soon to reach mailboxes, our writers take a look at what their topic means for the church in terms of community--and reaching that group with the message of God's Son and His love for us all. Writer Stephen Ursery tackles a story on LEED for new and existing buildings., where he takes a look at how LEED specification--when used by churches--can help strengthen connections with the community while bringing down operational costs. The message is clear that when a church's staff makes an investment in environmental stewardship, protecting natural resources for future generations, they are honoring God and His creation, which includes people.
WFM's Nov/Dec issue also takes a look at how the message of the church can help create a healthier environment in which to live by creating healthier citizens within a community. In writer Dawn Allcot's story on new developments in church fitness centers, fitness expert and publisher of Faith & Fitness Magazine, Brad Bloom, says, "Go to a church with a well-planned fitness facility and you'll see how church space is meant to be used. These spaces have high occupancy."
And again, the topic of community is addressed in WFM's Nov/Dec story, "Curb Appeal," by writer Bailey Webb. Here, Webb examines how a church's exterior can both help convey its identity and draw in its community. As source John Rebry, account executive with Laurel, Miss.-based Headrick, puts it: "What you're doing outside says a lot about what you're doing inside." Today, when so many buildings, signs, activities, pieces of personal technology, and busy schedules compete for our attention, it's as though the church must continually seek ways to make sure it's conveying the open sign to all who pass by.
It's a true, beautiful, and life-affirming message that churches carry to their communities all throughout the year and especially at Christmastime: Jesus came to earth in human form to die for and save us all. May God bless the all-important work of each one of our readers--leaders of the modern church.
Merry Christmas from the staff at WFM.
