Greetings in Christ
Christian Greeting Cards

Greetings Benefit Missions of Mercy in Natural Disaster Recovery

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2007 Holly Nativity Christmas Card Story

Inspiration and Design
2007 Katrina Christmas Card

It has been almost 2 years since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, followed by Hurricane Rita. St. John's sent its first HOPE Team to Mississippi soon after. It was in Ocean Springs that a member of St. John's was helping a woman clean out her home and was handed the fabric that would be fashioned into life-size nativity figures by Pastor Smith and Andy Chizzo. The figures graced our sanctuary and inspired worshipers that Christmas. Just before being taken down at Epiphany, the nativity was photographed for a Christmas card design to raise funds for hurricane survivors.

The nativity of the Katrina Christmas Card, as it has been known, carried on as an inspiration and as a blessing to those in need with a new design for 2007. The nativity is nestled in holly, which is the symbol of the crucifixion of Christ. The white flower that precedes the bright red berries is a symbol of the birth of Christ, the berries reminding us of the drops of blood which flowed from Christ's head pierced by the crown of thorns.

The holly was photographed in North Carolina on Palm Sunday 2007 and Easter Sunday brought the idea to use the holly for it symbolism in the 2007 Christmas Card. The design work was carried out the next three days during an unseasonal Christmas-like snow storm. As with the original Nativity Christmas Card, the idea and design were simply a gift from God.

The Holly Nativity Christmas Card reminds us of God's love for us in sending a Savior, the Christ Child, to redeem us from our sin. We, in turn, are to share such love with others. This card remains a popular card after a very successful year in 2007. Efforts of all involved have been richly blessed as the card has been a blessing to others.


Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.   Ephesians 5:1

Contact

Greetings in Christ
St. John's Lutheran Church
505 S. Park Rd
La Grange, IL 60525

708-354-1690 Church Office
708-354-4910 fax

greetingsinchrist@sjlagrange.com
www.GreetingsinChrist.org

© 2009 St. John's Lutheran Church, La Grange, Illinois 60525