Good morning,
Like many of you, my family spent the past couple of weeks putting together our Christmas lists. Our lists contain all sorts of things that we’d each like to have. Clothing, video games, books, toys, electronics, household items, and so on. Some of the greatest gifts we can receive, however, aren’t found on any list. And one of those gifts is actually 3 little words. I. Love. You. I’ve yet to meet a person who got tired of hearing “I love you!”
Your family needs to hear you say “I love you” to them. Without a constant dose of this verbal expression (hearing and saying those words) the soul of a family will wither and die. For someone like me it’s rather easy because I grew up in a family where expressions of love were commonplace. In fact, when someone once asked me what I remembered most about my childhood the first thing that came to mind was that I always knew that both mom and dad loved me. For others, verbal expressions of love are much harder because their family never showed love to each other.
You may have heard the joke about the exasperated wife who complained to her husband that he never told her that he loved her. His reply that that he had told her that on their wedding day and if it ever changed he would let her know! The exchange makes for a good joke, but a lousy marriage and family life.
In 1 Thessalonians 3:12 in Paul says to Timothy “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else…” This Christmas, let’s make that our prayer as well. Let’s pray that our homes would overflow with love for each other. An “I love you” may be the most important thing that we can ever say to our spouse, kids and grandkids. As you hand out gifts to each of your loved ones on Christmas Day, give them the gift of an “I love you” as well. It will be just what they wanted!
Here’s what’s happening:
- Don’t forget our Advent outreach project to help Solanco Neighborhood Ministries. We are collecting:
o Personal Care Items – Shampoo, toothpaste, facial tissues, and toilet tissue.
o Clothing – Socks and Underwear for all ages
o Household Goods – Laundry Detergent and Floor/Window/Surface cleaners
o Baby Items – Diapers (Size 4 and 5) and Wipes
- Christmas Services – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7pm on the 24th. We will be having shortened services on Christmas Day and on New Year’s Day, at our usual 10 am time. As a gift to our teachers, there will not be Sunday School either of those days.
- The 2023 church budget is now available. Please take some time to review it. Any questions or concerns should be communicated to the elders or myself before the next elders meeting, which is on 1/4/23. A vote of affirmation will be taken after the worship service on 1/15/23.
- I mentioned on Sunday that I have asked Rick Brenneman to continue to serve as an elder in 2023 as we complete our pastoral transition. Rick has faithfully served as elder at the Bridge and we have all benefited from his leadership. As we continue to relaunch ministries, committees and commissions in 2023 we will also be seeking God’s guidance regarding a new elder for 2024.
- Men’s Breakfast this month will be on December 31st at 8 am at Hometown Kitchen.
- Junior Youth meeting on January 1st after the church service.
This Sunday is Christmas morning! We’ll be gathering at 10 am as usual for shorter, more informal service. I’ll be sharing about my favorite Christmas tradition and what we are called to do with the Christmas story.