Christmas in 2008, Predictions for 2009

Christmas in 2008, Predictions for 2009

December 22, 2008

By the Staff and Regular Contributors of ninetyandnine

We asked our staff and regular contributors (mostly our bloggers from Word, Notes, and Collideoscope) two questions about their Christmas season, as well as one requesting bold predictions for 2009. Their answers were as eclectic as their usual contributions.

Enjoy a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from ninetyandnine.com!

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Denelle Burns, New York

Christmas in 2008 will be different for me because . . . over the break I'll be looking for a job instead of studying for school!

The dream gift I'd like for Christmas this year is . . . Russian lessons and a month-long trip to Central Asia.

My predictions for 2009 are . . . sorry, my crystal ball is a little fuzzy today. It must be all the flurries outside blocking things out. Check back with me this time next year and I'm sure I'll be able to fill you in.

Lee Ann Alexander, Missouri

Christmas in 2008 will be different for me because . . . I won't be doing my yearly gift-giving extravaganza. Friends and family will be receiving small, simple gifts, not because I'm trying to make a statement, but simply because I have been in my own little bubble and have somehow missed the fact that it was Christmas.

The dream gift I'd like for Christmas this year is . . . the economy stabilized, people (within and beyond our ranks) settled down, and the realization within the Oneness Pentecostal movement that we do have a lot of extraordinary things happening! (If we will lay down our critical lenses and look for the good, we would see there are new Apostolic creative ministry pioneers among us, the growth of multicultural ministries, expansion of our churches and church programs, and huge advances in education such as UGST receiving initial accreditation and other of our Bible colleges well on their way.)

Ron Giesecke, California

Christmas in 2008 will be different for me because . . . recent deteriorations, both in the economy as well as our nation's numbness to its precarious condition only brings God's plan into relief. That Virgin Birth and its reverberations become louder every year.

The dream gift I'd like for Christmas this year is . . . the full function of my right hand, previously lost to DeQuervain's Tendonitis.

My predictions for 2009 are . . .

That economic instability around the world will not only shake men financially, but spiritually. Both for the good and the bad. Perhaps it will shake a narcissistic culture out of its MySpace trance long enough to find God.
That the Catholic church will have a banner year fighting the culture war, both in upcoming abortion battles and gay marriage; watch particularly, the Freedom Of Choice Act penned by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA). I see 11 innings on that one.
That our new and energetic President will discover that those that hated America before he was president will hate America after he was president as well. And I pray for him now.

Sarah Holland, Michigan

Christmas in 2008 will be different for me because . . . I have no money, so my gifts giving is limited :( :( :(

The dream gift I'd like for Christmas this year is . . . a new laptop!!!!

My predictions for 2009 are . . . a major move in my future.

Cara Davis, Florida

Christmas in 2008 will be different for me because . . . This will be the first year without my dad, but this will be my second year with my daughter. It's a bittersweet time.

The dream gift I'd like for Christmas this year is . . . I'd like to receive the gift of faith without wavering. I'm not sure Santa can fit that in his bag.

My predictions for 2009 are . . .

People will become more family- and community-oriented as we learn to depend on one another and God more than ourselves. That will be a good thing.

Josh Lewis, Texas

Christmas in 2008 will be different for me because . . . I'll have more time off from work. I plan to spend the week between Christmas and New Years with my family and taking care of a few “honey-do” projects.

The dream gift I'd like for Christmas this year is . . . I could come up with a long list of stuff that I'd like--new vehicle, a few acres in the country, MacBook Air, iPhone, etc.--but it just reveals how materialistic I am. The fact of the matter is that I am blessed in every facet of life, so I intend to spend Christmas enjoying time with the wonderful family God has given me and give some of the “stuff” I have to others who really need it.

My predictions for 2009 are . . .

The global economy will continue to struggle, so Americans will rediscover the value of thriftiness and saving (as opposed to spending every dime you make).
The US government will expand as the American public clamors for Uncle Sam to solve all of their problems.
The gospel of the kingdom will continue to spread around the world.

Shirley McDonald, Louisiana

Christmas in 2008 will be different for me because . . . our extended family celebrated Christmas at Thanksgiving because my nephew and family left on December 5 as missionaries to Africa.

The dream gift I'd like for Christmas this year is . . . a Kindle.

My predictions for 2009 are:

I will enjoy retirement so much that I will never want to work again!
God's church will become more service-oriented to hurting people.

Chantell Smith, Alabama

Christmas in 2008 will be different for me because . . . I will have to be much more creative and cost-effective with my gift-giving than I've been in years past--being in graduate school can do a number on your finances!

The dream gift I'd like for Christmas this year is . . . I honestly don't have a dream gift. Scarves are my current obsession, so I would be happy with a scarf or two. I thought 'world peace' would be a little broad and idealistic, and 'a soul mate' a little crass and unrealistic.

My predictions for 2009 are . . .

90&9 will finally earn a link on the UPCI homepage.
Michelle Obama will become pregnant with a boy and the media will dub him Little BoBama and will be dominated with speculation over whether he'll follow in his father's footsteps.
The term “postmodern” will finally be defined and therefore will cease to be current.

Stephen Cousino, Vermont

Christmas in 2008 will be different for me because . . . I won't be involved in a major house addition and refinance of my mortgage. In other words, it will be more peaceful.

The dream gift I'd like for Christmas this year is . . . A book contract with a major publisher.

My predictions for 2009 are . . . I don't have any since I'm not good at predictions.

Alicia Becton, Tennessee

Christmas in 2008 will be different for me because…I am engaged and will be able to spend part of the holidays with Brent, my fiancé (love saying fiancé). Also, because my mother, brother, fiancé and I will drive to Dallas after Christmas to spend time with the C. M. Bectons and other family. This will be the first time we will all be together in Dallas without my father who passed away July 28, 2007. It will also be the first time Brent gets to meet some of my family.

The dream gift I'd like for Christmas this year is…to be debt free.

My predictions for 2009 are…

1. My wedding on March 28, 2009 will be one of the happiest days of mine and Brent's lives and that family and friends from all over will come to show us love and support and help make the day amazing and special.

2. The job market will continue to be daunting and people will be thankful for the jobs they have and appreciate their employers and any benefits provided by their current jobs. With so many layoffs in so many companies, job security is scarce and thankfulness for all the little things is on the rise.

Bradley McDonald, Louisiana

Christmas in 2008 will be different for me because . . .My wife and I are in a different house and we both have new jobs and I'm more thankful for all of it since a lot of people are suffering due to the economy.

The dream gift I'd like for Christmas this year is . . .Sooloos Music Server. I love music and I'm a tech geek and this system combines both.

My predictions for 2009 are . . . Barack Obama will take over as president!

Kent d Curry, Missouri

The dream gift I'd like for Christmas this year is . . .more time to read and write.

My predictions for 2009 are . . .

The economy won't recover, but there will be fits and starts of bright spots. (Will this continued economic meltdown then usher in the anti-Christ, who will solve the world's problems? Maybe in the long run, but not in 2009.)
Will UGST get their accreditation? No, that's scheduled for 2010, but they'll be closer and, though it's terribly important to the future of our entire movement to have a seminary, almost no one will care.
North American Youth Congress will be more lively and newsworthy than 2007, but it won't be larger than the 17,000 worshippers in Charlotte.
The Forum will be more lively and newsworthy than 2006, and it will be larger than 2006.
The head of at least one major Apostolic organization will step down and be replaced by someone outside the Beltway.
The church building will become less important, as more churches will choose to host one-service Sundays, and/or more believers choose to only attend only one service on Sundays. (Even if we assume a strong, daily personal devotion on most believer's parts, is this the reality of the Parable of the Foolish Virgins playing out? You tell me.)
God will continue to amaze His believers and befuddle the unbelievers.

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