Well the race is on! Black Friday has come and gone but we are only beginning the trek toward our many advent season celebrations. December 2nd is our Church Christmas dinner, on December 9th we go to Parkview Hospital for a bereavement service, the 19th of December is our Tipton House caroling and Heritage Christmas celebration, December 23rd is our Sunday morning Christmas service and Monday, December 24th at 11:00pm we worship God at our Midnight Candle-lighting service to usher in Christmas Day. It is an exciting time as we decorate our homes, gather with family and friends over holiday meals, gift giving and the occasional pint of eggnog! Oh, isn’t it the most wonderful time of the year! Well, maybe. But it often, especially with the hustle and bustle of activities, becomes a time of anxiety, depression and stress for many. As we participate in this season’s activities, let us remember to slow down and enjoy the wonders of Christmas. Let us remember the most wonderful gift given came from our Father in heaven, provided for us by sending Jesus, His only begotten Son to us that we might be set free from the condemnation that comes from sin and receive the promise of eternity in the glories of God’s kingdom. With that in mind, make this Christmas special by slowing down, thinking about others, and worshipping our Savior for His gift to us. Be sure to invite a friend or extended family member that has no one to celebrate with over for Christmas dinner. Take time out to get alone with God and just bask in his presence for a bit (even if it is only when you get away from family when taking out the trash)! Remember, giving is of the heart, not of the wallet. And never forget our Father’s love for all of us. As we are told in Luke 2:8-14, “And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid. 10 But the angel said to them, “Listen! Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign to you: You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly there was with the angel a company of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, and good will toward men.” Be blessed even more, have a wonderful holiday season and thank you for all you do for God’s Kingdom!!

 

Pastor Chris