CHRISTMAS underCURRENTS

'twas the season NOT to be jolly?

I don't know about you, but to me Christmas can easily be filled with thoughts of happy families with stockings by the fire, egg nog, ugly sweaters and plum drops (?). Well it's probably not that ridiculous for you to hear me say that this isn't so for a lot of people. Or even to hear that this isn't the predominant feeling for MOST everyone during the "happy" holidays. Depression sky-rockets and moods intensify as "family" can conjure up all sorts of negative thoughts and feelings for many in our society.

This difficulty is especially prevalent in the youth culture that we're around at the Drop-In. Instead of being a warming refuge, family to many is a soil of hostility. Well it wasn't so different at the actual birth of Christ, as Jesus himself was sought after to be killed as a baby by Herod. The story is revealed in a more intense light as John reflects in the book of Revelation about the woman and the dragon, who waiting to devour her child when he was born (ch 12). Not getting his way, the dragon wages war on all her offspring - those who hold to Jesus.

The reality of the situation with us at Christmas is that there are HUGE undercurrents of this war going on that destroys hope, the family, and the realization of Christ. In December, we at YFC saw a work God was doing with us leaders and the youth, for a number of youth had come to their end of purpose in their lifestyles apart from God. This softening and revelation has been a long time coming for many youth, and we praise God as much time and prayer has be invested.

Over the holidays, this change in our youth faced some difficult set backs due to familiar surrounding that induce negative habits (same friends, same parties, dysfunctional families...etc.). Now we're in a new year, and the fight remains; the fight for transformation of hearts against the habits of distruction. The fight behind the scenes...against an unseen enemy. Your prayers are greatly coveted.

On a lighter note, we were able to celebrate Christmas in a positive light - with a place, party, and friends apart from the habits of destruction.

this year we featured a "candy fondu" for Christmas (don't worry, we provided lots of fruit to go with it - which was more popular anyway)