This Christmas I am learning a lot about generosity. We are in the middle of our Christmas series at OneLife called “[re]Gifted” where we are discovering what it means to become givers and redefining the concept of generosity. We called it “[re]Gifted” because of the fact that everything I have to give has already been given to me. That completely shifts my thinking to realize that I’m not really giving my own stuff away, but I’m giving God’s stuff away!

In addition to that, generosity needs to become who I am not something that I do. And when it does, I become more like the Father who gave his only Son and more like the Son who gave his only life; all for me, expecting nothing in return.

Honestly, I can’t really get my mind around that. But what I can get my mind around is that one way to become more like the Father and the Son this Christmas is to model their generosity in my own life. The same is true for our church as a whole. To become more like Him, we should be givers like Him.

That is one reason we are taking up a Christmas offering this Sunday called “The Big [re]Gift”. In 2011 we want to give away more than $30,000 to various needs and missions causes. As I said on Sunday, we could do a lot with that money for our own church and staff. But we would much rather make an impact all around the world. So we are taking a day to give specifically toward these causes, and every penny given will go straight toward this goal.

To see all the different ways this money will be used as we re-give what God has given to us, check out this brochure. And if you would like to give toward this offering as we redefine generosity in our church, you can do so this Sunday during the special offering time or at any of our services in December. Just be sure to use the blue “[re]Gifted” envelope so we know that’s what it is for! Or you can also do it online at any time by going to www.onelifeknox.com/give.

I am so excited to be part of something that is bigger than myself and is making a huge difference all around the world. And I am thankful that God is using it to teach me and to redefine generosity in my life. I truly want generosity to be who I am, not just something I do.

Christmas time is here! And we celebrate it hard-core at OneLife. Here’s a glimpse of all that’s going on, starting with a huge kick-off this weekend!

• Knoxville Christmas Parade – Friday, December 3, 6:30 p.m. – The OneLife Band will be rockin’ its way down Gay Street on an unbelievable float made by OneLife Volunteers. The band will be playing an awesome version of Little Drummer Boy and promoting OneLife’s Christmas series and Christmas Eve Service. If you can’t make it downtown with the thousands to watch the parade live, watch it live on WVLT at 6:30 p.m.
• Powell Christmas Parade – Saturday, December 4, 5 p.m. – The same float will make its way down Emory Road in the heart of Powell, only this time we are allowed to have you walk with us! Come meet at Food City at 4 p.m. to line up with us and help us pass out invite cards and throw tons of candy.
• [re]gifted Christmas Series – Sundays, December 5, 12 and 19 at 10 and 11:30 – Dare to give differently this Christmas! Come learn how in this series complete with Christmas music, stories, videos and more.
• Volunteer Christmas Party – Sunday, December 5 at 6 p.m. – OneLife wouldn’t function without its volunteers so we want to say “Thanks!” and have a good time! Come for an incredible catered dinner (Fried Chicken, anyone?!), entertainment, and a Christmas gift especially for volunteers. Childcare will be provided. The party will be at Grace Baptist Church. RSVP now at pastor@onelifeknox.com.
• Powell Community Christmas Eve – Friday, December 24, 4 p.m. at Powell High School – Start a new tradition with your family this Christmas Eve at the Powell Community Christmas Eve Service. Candlelight, Christmas Carols, the Christmas Story and more will provide an experience for the entire family. Highlighted by a blend of both modern and traditional elements, this service will be one you won’t soon forget.

After all this celebrating, we’ll need some time off to let our volunteers and staff recuperate! So we will not have services on Sunday, December 26 to allow everyone a week to spend with family and get ready for an awesome 2011. Between now and then, do all that you can to share your faith stories and invite a friend to OneLife with you! Feel free to use this website to spread the word: www.powellchristmas.com.