Merry Christmas.
It is that time of year, when the sun sets early and lights twinkle on many houses down the streets. That time of year when people gather together in community. That time of year when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
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Merry Christmas! ....................................... BBC December 2017
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I've been finding year over year that winter brings less of the wonderland and more of the frozen graveyard. It's the season where the vitality of nature retreats and the sun's warmth is diminished. Winter's bitter chill narrows my mind to only focus on what is lost for four long months. Gone are the light and life of summer, gone are the beauty and comfort of fall, and the loss wears on me. Like stones under rushing water as the band Needtobreathe puts it, a bleak veil is placed over my world and in this introspective mood I can't help but think of the ways I've been stagnating instead of growing. A spiritual winter where what was green and fruitful is bare and in remission.
However right in the dead of winter is Christmas. At first like a drop of water in the desert, a flicker of light in the dark, a faint hymn in the stillness. Then as our clarity waxes it is a raging torrent, a blast of blinding light, a chorus that reverberates across the cosmos. Jesus' entry into our world was a crack in the reality of our grim, numb life. Foretold by prophets yet unlooked for, announced by a star yet overlooked by many, heralded by angels, the most joyous of moments not fully understood at the time. The Son came down to us. He came down to us! The message is clear! Let no doubt remain! God's love for us has no bounds and by sending his Son to be with us he was declaring his favour on his people. Declaring beyond a shadow of a doubt that he intends to start a new good work in us and he will see it through to completion.
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Each year at Bethel Bible Camp we proclaim to all the children that God brings to our door that God is for us, that God is near us, that God LOVES us. We are sure of this because of Christmas. All of the foundation God laid preparing for Jesus' birth, all of Jesus' life, the cross, his resurrection, his coming glorious return, the proclamation for all of this was Christmas. Like the beauty of a sunrise that begins a new day, Christmas was the signal for hope to stir. Heaven must have shook with a mighty roar at the welcome of the Christ, Immanuel, God with us.
We will all endure winters of the soul and we will all bear the pain of frost battering our spirit. But at Christmas we can return our gaze to the One who breaks all of winter’s grip. Bask in his warmth, fill up on his love. Break off the icicles and push your roots deeper into his life giving power. Sound the bells, beat the drums, and join in the hallelujah because it's Christmas! And Christ is here.
- David Short, on behalf of the BBC Committee.
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Looking forward to next year
2017 is coming to a close and we are looking forward in anticipation to 2018. We know that God has a lot in store for camp this coming summer, and we pray that you will come and be a part of it! As you start making plans for 2018, keep Bethel in your prayers, and consider how you could be a part of what happens.
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Members of BBC Board of Directors:
COMMITTEE:
Chairman: Lonnie Brown
Secretary: Gary Short
Treasurer: Joyce Buttery
Members: Dave Short
Joy Ronald
Ian Smith
Amy Dupuis
Weston Snider
Tim Gurnett
Josh Siewert
Danielle Gurnett
TRUSTEES:
Lonnie Brown
Tim Gurnett
Neil Letts
Scott Letts
Al Blackmere
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Upcoming Summer Dates:
WIWACS Retreat: June 1, 2, 3
Soccer Camp: June 8, 9, 10
Ladies Retreat: 22, 23, 24
Sr. High Camp: July 1-7
Jr. High Camp: July 8-14
CTP: July 15-20
Day Camp: July 17-19
Intermediate Camp: July 22-27
Children's Camp: July 29-Aug 2
Filipino Family Camp: July 3-6
CAYA Camp: August 7-10
Girl's Camp: August 12-18
Family Camp: August 31-Sept. 3
Back to School Retreat: Sept. 7-9
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