ARE YOU PREPARED FOR CHRISTMAS? (2 OF 3)
by Jeff Strite
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
This content is part of a series.
Are You Prepared For Christmas? (2 of 3)
Series: Christmas Questions
Jeff Strite
Matthew 1:18-25
OPEN: A new Christmas movie has just come out starring Matthew Broderick and Danny Devito. Does anybody know the name this movie? That's right "Deck The Halls". It's a comedy about two neighbors who engage in a cutthroat competition to have the most decorated home in the neighborhood. Devito's character says that his life's goal is to decorate his home with so many lights that it can be seen from outer-space!
Some people get carried away with their Christmas decorations.
Back in 2001, KFLQ radio station in Albuquerque , New Mexico, reported on the Bugg house in northeast Albuquerque that had become a Christmas landmark. The family traditionally set up thousands of lights and holiday scenes every year. But their endeavor was not just a selfish display of extravagance, for out in front of their home, there was a box where you could make a donation for a local homeless ministry, known as Noonday.
When the lights went on Friday, December 7th, 2001 - things were different at the Bugg's home. A neighbor had complained that the display was a public nuisance, and convinced the city of Albuquerque to sue to prevent the Buggs from turning on the lights.
The city tried to shut down the display, saying collecting money for the homeless made the home a business. A District Court Judge ruled December 6th that the display could go on, but the barrels to collect money had to go, because collecting for the homeless made the home a business.
Dennis Lihte , director of Noonday Ministry said the display was a great opportunity for residents who did not attend a local church to give to the needy.
The previous year (2000), the display netted the ministry almost $12,000.
APPLY: There's always going to be someone who wants to be a scrooge, but there will also be lots of people really love the season - in great part because of all the lights and the decorations tha ...
Series: Christmas Questions
Jeff Strite
Matthew 1:18-25
OPEN: A new Christmas movie has just come out starring Matthew Broderick and Danny Devito. Does anybody know the name this movie? That's right "Deck The Halls". It's a comedy about two neighbors who engage in a cutthroat competition to have the most decorated home in the neighborhood. Devito's character says that his life's goal is to decorate his home with so many lights that it can be seen from outer-space!
Some people get carried away with their Christmas decorations.
Back in 2001, KFLQ radio station in Albuquerque , New Mexico, reported on the Bugg house in northeast Albuquerque that had become a Christmas landmark. The family traditionally set up thousands of lights and holiday scenes every year. But their endeavor was not just a selfish display of extravagance, for out in front of their home, there was a box where you could make a donation for a local homeless ministry, known as Noonday.
When the lights went on Friday, December 7th, 2001 - things were different at the Bugg's home. A neighbor had complained that the display was a public nuisance, and convinced the city of Albuquerque to sue to prevent the Buggs from turning on the lights.
The city tried to shut down the display, saying collecting money for the homeless made the home a business. A District Court Judge ruled December 6th that the display could go on, but the barrels to collect money had to go, because collecting for the homeless made the home a business.
Dennis Lihte , director of Noonday Ministry said the display was a great opportunity for residents who did not attend a local church to give to the needy.
The previous year (2000), the display netted the ministry almost $12,000.
APPLY: There's always going to be someone who wants to be a scrooge, but there will also be lots of people really love the season - in great part because of all the lights and the decorations tha ...
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