Good morning on this, the first Saturday of December. The Christmas frenzy has begun and is now in full force. We have finished Black Friday (the Friday after Thanksgiving so named because it is the day that many merchants reach their profit point and begin their profitable Christmas run) and Cyber Monday (the following Monday during which people return to work and order through their computers online those items they missed). Next will come the endless promotions, sales events, and advertisements to coax people to buy more. Also in the mix will be Christmas parties, gift exchanges, office celebrations and family get-togethers. For many folks it is the most hectic of seasons, yet is cherished for its warmth, fun, fellowship, and excitement. Although it is usually my most busy season, I confess it is certainly one of my most festive and enjoyable. I look forward to selecting the perfect gifts for members of my family, the coming together of all my children and grandchildren for several wonderful days, the Christmas eve candle-light communion service, Barb's buffet on Christmas eve and the delicious spread on Christmas day, opening our gifts together, and most of all celebrating the birth of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. I hope that you will make your Christmas a Christ-filled, Christ-honoring Christmas. Here are some suggestions to help you do so. First, constantly keep before you that we are celebrating His birthday and treat the holiday season as a spiritual event with Christ present in its every aspect; second, make the Christmas eve service at church a vital part of your Christmas and bring every family member with you to help put Christ at the center of your Christmas; third, include a Christmas prayer before you begin opening your gifts to thank God for all of His blessings and especially thank Him for His greatest gift, the giving of His son, Jesus Christ for us; Fourth, remember those who are less fortunate and give generously to help those in need to provide food, clothing and help to those who have not. There will always be many who could use the helping hand. It is more blessed to give than to receive. To give to others in the name of Christ is literally giving to Christ Himself according to Scripture; Fifth, since we are celebrating Christ's birth, meditate on all we have, are and will be because Christ came as a man two thousand years ago and cultivate a genuine attitude of gratitude which will carry over throughout the year to come. He is the reason for the season, let's faithfully show it is so in our attitudes, words, and actions.
Tomorrow's sermon is Our Perception of the Future Shapes Our Present. Lord willing, I'll have the joy of seeing you there.
Pastor Brown