December 2018
Message from Pastor Tom:
The fall harvest is gone for another year, the trees are
bare and we have stuffed ourselves at Thanksgiving. Hopefully we took the time
to give proper thanks to the Lord for not only what He has done in our lives,
but also the love and hope He gives to all His children throughout the world.
We now turn our attention to Christmas in hopes of
celebrating our Lords birth by exchanging gifts, or by giving that special
Christmas card to show Gods love for one another. The days seem to fly by
and with Christmas coming so quickly, I find the world makes it very
challenging to keep Christ in Christmas. Anyone else notice that? Don’t get me
wrong I love this season, such a special feeling with all the lights and
festivities. I find this time of year truly magical by knowing the real reason
for the season. Yet more than anything, I want to make it meaningful. I pray
for Jesus to be the focus. I want all children to know what the day and all the
celebrating is really about. They won’t hear it at school, nor will they see it
in the sales advertisements. They will know only the truth we teach and show
them, so we must make a special effort to show what Christmas is all about.
Lets do beautiful things together this month Christians. Things like serving and sharing and spending time with one another. Let's invite the
loneliest people we know into our homes, and show them Jesus. How about we make
lovely food together and then share it. Parents and grandparents, talk to your children and anyone who will listen about
Jesus' impending birthday like it is the most precious, thrilling, miraculous
moment you have ever heard in your life. Can we be brave enough to say
"enough" to any further ruination of Jesus' day? Can we risk
difficult conversations with family and friends, understanding Jesus called it
the narrow way for a reason? Jesus truly wasn't kidding when He said few would
find it. Let us instead listen to fellow Christians and spiritual leaders who courageously lead us in
the ways of Jesus this December, helping us resist consumerism and selfishness,
helping us to release our inner tension. We celebrate Christ our Savior
being born this and every Christmas because He is indeed the reason for the
season and our love and hope for everyone.
Don’t ever forget God has a purpose for everything that
comes into our lives, including friendships, jobs, situations and
conversations. Nothing is trivial and nothing is by accident. If you want to experience God in action, you
don’t have to wait for Him to do something big in your life. Be attentive to even the littlest of things because every day, not just Christmas, is another opportunity to see Him at
work. Get into His Word so you can understand how He has acted in the lives of
others. Then watch for His involvement in your own life, as this is the biggest
and brightest Christmas gift you could ever give yourself. So I challenge you
to intentionally put on your spiritual armor every day and not just during the holidays.
Put on one piece at a time: the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of
righteousness, the belt of truth, the sandals of peace, the shield of faith and
the sword of the Spirit. Just try it as you meditate daily on Ephesians
6:10-18, and watch what God will do.
Heidi and I wish you a very Merry Christmas filled with the
wonder of the birth of Christ, the warmth of the Holiday Spirit and the love of
family and friends. May your heart be lifted in praise this Christmas for the
wonderful gift of Jesus and the joy He brings to our life. I pray that together
we have the opportunity to show a watching world something truly hopeful and
sincerely beautiful this Christmas. We can live alternative rhythms in front of
people, showing them something better than stress and spending and tension and
exhaustion.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year! I thank
you for taking the time to read this and I hope it spiritually enriches you.
Blessings from a pastor and his wife.
Here is
a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the
world to save sinners of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was
shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his
immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive
eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be
honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17 (NIV)
