It’s already starting. Today is the second of December and I just realized I have two “Christmas Parties” this week! I do love this time of year. I love the parties, the movies, television specials and I’ve set my radio dial to the “all Christmas music all the time station.” But, truthfully, I’m just not ready for it yet. In my mind it is still August.
I’m not sure why it is that I’m never ready for Christmas. Everything else seems to be flying by. I’ve reached the age that things are speeding up. Children are no longer children but young adults. Graduation was 30 years ago not 5 years ago. Maybe I’m not ready for Christmas because I’m at the awkward age – my children are grown but there are no grandchildren yet. I’m not sure of the cause of my Christmas blues but I think I know the cure. No, it’s not grandchildren (though if you are reading this and you formerly lived in my house…well I digress) I think the cure is found in a return to a simpler time. A time worthy of reflection and careful thought concerning the wonder of God’s coming to earth. To consider the wonder of his stepping into his creation for the purpose of redeeming a people for his own glory. To remember his leaving the glory and splendor of heaven to live on this fallen planet stained with sin and guilt. When I think about his coming to endure the hostility and rejection of ungrateful creatures; to give his life as ransom for our rebellion my heart is strangely warmed.
No I’m not some Ebenezer Scrooge who needs to be awakened to “Christmas Cheer” and goodwill towards man. I need my cold, sinful heart warmed and renewed by a vision of our glorious Savior. I need to be reminded that God so loved the world he gave his only Son. I need to pull away the trappings of the season and remember the reason for our rejoicing. I’ll see you Sunday.
Rod
The True Blue class will hold their Christmas Luncheon on Tuesday, December 4th, at 12:30.
Adult 3 class will have a breakfast on Saturday morning, December 8th.
The Klasi Saints class will hold their Christmas party on Thursday, December 13. For details contact the church office.
During the evening service at Trinity Baptist Church the Keenager Choir will be presenting their Christmas program.
Where did it go? It’s official. I’ve finally reached that age. The one where telephone poles go by like fence posts. Christmas is next week? Wasn’t it January 1st just last week? Of course it could have something to do with my memory – it is just not what it used to be. Sometimes I forget what I’m talking about in the middle of…
I know that the last week has been grueling on many of you. I told some folks Sunday, “If I had been alive during those pioneer days, we’d all still be living on the East coast!” I’m such a baby. Of course I never like it when we have to cancel services, no it’s not because I have to hear myself preach, I miss spending time with my church family in worship. In addition I hate when it happens during this time of year because it always takes its toll on Lottie Moon. I want to remind you that the Lottie Moon Offering supplies 50% of the yearly budget for the International Mission Board. And the work of the IMB is increasingly critical in a post-Christian world. Please don’t forget your Christmas Offering. I say that knowing that not one cent of that offering stays here. It doesn’t stay in the state or the U.S. for that matter. It goes directly to our missionaries around the world.
I also want to remind you that we will be having our annual Christmas Eve service Monday night at 10:00 PM. I hope you will bring your family to this beautiful service of music and Scripture as we celebrate the coming of our Lord. Of course I hope to see you and your family when we gather for worship this coming Lord’s Day.
Rod
Mary Hammock will be celebrating her 80th birthday on Saturday, December 22. For details, contact the church office.
We will be celebrating the coming of Messiah at our annual Christmas Eve Service, beginning at 10 p.m. Bring family and friends and share the greatest gift of all: the Savior of the world.
