By Keith Wood
When I was a kid, I admit, it was all about the presents. Couldn’t wait for Christmas morning to see what my parents had wrapped for me under the tree. I would venture to say that is true for most of us. I mean, what kid doesn’t get excited about presents at Christmas! As I have gotten older, my sentiments have certainly changed. I still enjoy presents, but now I much more enjoy giving presents rather than receiving them. However, I’ve come to realize one of the things I really like most about Christmas (besides the obvious of celebrating the birth of Jesus) is the thought of being together with friends and family. Just taking some time to slow down and be with one another, to enjoy the time we have together at Christmas.
The theme for ICOM 2017 in Peoria, IL, is “TOGETHER: God’s plan to redeem the world!” As much as I enjoy being together with friends and family at Christmas, one thing I think that could excite me even more is to see God’s people come together and really be serious about getting the job of world evangelism done. To realize we need one another in order to win this world for Jesus. The scripture is pretty clear in its description of Jesus’ disciples being a body that works together, that needs one another in order to be successful. This coming November, in Peoria, I think you are going to see that emphasized in many challenging ways by our President, Enoch Nyador, and many others who will be sharing their heart on this inspiring theme.
I can’t help but think that as I enjoy the holidays over the next couple of weeks and I particularly enjoy the times of being “together” with my family and friends, that my mind won’t escape for a brief time to what God might be planning as friends and family gather “together” for ICOM 2017 in Peoria. Knowing that God is a giver of good gifts, I think He might also have some “presents” waiting for each of us in Peoria. Can’t wait to get together and see what God has in store!
From all of us at ICOM, we hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
