Happy Birthday Jesus

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)