Good morning,
We have been looking at the story of those famous shepherds of Christmas. Last week we saw that although that first Christmas didn’t change their external situation, it changed everything about their internal spirit. And we ended our look by asking what is at stake if we give into our fear and not share the Good News of Jesus.
My friends, eternity is at stake! There are times when I read and hear about Christians in other parts of the world that put everything on the line to share their faith and I’m almost…no I am…embarrassed at what I am afraid of losing in comparison.
Here’s the deal – if I am living the way that God has called me to live, then the people who know me and care about me will respect my message. And if they don’t know me and don’t care about me, well (to put it bluntly), who cares what they think of me?
The angel tells the shepherds to not be afraid. Are you struggling with fear this Christmas season? Are you afraid of what announcing who Jesus is might mean for your life? If you are, I want you to know that you’re not alone. We’ve all been where you are at one time or another. We are all prone to letting fear and doubt creep into our lives.
But the message of the Angel is clear – do not be afraid. The greatest gift we can give someone is sharing our faith in Jesus with them…let’s not be afraid to do it. I know that some of you have loved ones that you are praying for and you’ve talked to and you talked to again and it’s like talking to a brick wall. I got it…I have those people in my life too. Keep on talking…keeping on sharing…do not be afraid.
Because eternity is at stake.
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 Caroling is TOMORROW Friday, December 16 at 6:15 pm. We will be gathering at the Kreider home before heading out and returning for a time of fellowship. Bring along your favorite holiday treat to share!
- 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 will be available at the church on 12/18. 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.
- Men’s Breakfast this month will be on December 31st at 8 am at Hometown Kitchen.
This Sunday is the 4th Sunday of Advent! We are going to continue our look at Joseph’s Christmas Story by studying what the angel tells Joseph in a dream and his delighted obedience afterwards. That obedience, however, comes with a cost. It’s a cost that some of us face in our faith as well, and we’ll consider whether or not the cost is worth it.