by Mark Milioni
I have never really been a Christmas list kind of guy. When someone asked what I wanted for Christmas I would generally say, “Whatever.” Not my kids. They would begin making out their Christmas lists at the beginning of November so that it was ready in time for Black Friday. One of my boy’s favorite pranks involved stealing their sister’s Christmas list and changing it. Her Christmas list has always included the extravagant, from wanting a cell phone, to a MacBook, to a specific kind of car. Imagine our surprise one year when her list read:
- Little House on the Prairie TV series.
- A lime green pair of gauchos.
- A cat.
We thought it was funny. She was not amused.
This led to a great conversation. Why do you ask for such extravagant gifts? Her answer, “You never know what you might get unless you ask. The Bible says that you have not because you ask not. I will keep asking so that I can be blessed.” Looking back, I realize she is right. She now has a cell phone, a MacBook, and a great car. Blessed indeed. As her father, I have experienced the joy of being able to give her the gifts that she really desired.
With that thought in mind, I made out a Christmas list for Baptist Bible College. The list does not include fruitcakes for the staff or a lovely knickknack, but the extravagant. Extravagant because these are things that we truly need but are simply beyond the means of our budget this year. Maybe you are looking for a way to be a blessing to someone this Christmas. Would you, your family, your church, or your Sunday school class consider giving a special gift from our Christmas list to BBC this year?
BBC Christmas Wish List:
- New lighting in W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse $35,000
- New scoreboard in Fieldhouse $35,000
- Travel team sound system $10,000
- Heat and a/c repairs $10,000
- Media computers $8,000
- Main parking lot repair $7,000
- New mattresses $7,000
- Tools for maintenance $3,000
- Landscaping $2,000
- Parking lot light repair $2,000
- Paint $2,000
Christmas is a time of extravagant giving. It began when God gave the most extravagant, greatest gift of all times, His only son. Emmanuel, God with us. God gave His son, who gave his life as a ransom for us. Your gift to BBC this Christmas will help us continue to share the news of God’s gift for generations to come.
From all of us at Baptist Bible College, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!