Good Morning Church,

Pastor Don greeting you on this Monday morning. 14 shopping days until Christmas. Just thought I'd give you that piece of good news. We had a good group of people worship with us Sunday morning. Attendance was 147 and the service was filled with God's presence. Our Children's Christmas Program is next week and we should have a great crowd Sunday morning. In all the busyness of the season, please don't miss Christmas. Most people do, you know. They're so caught up in the retail rush, they are exhausted and perhaps depressed by the holiday pressures. We know that because suicide rates are always up with time of the year and so is depression.

Reading in Luke's account of the Christmas story, I found 7 distinct people or groups that did not miss Christmas. They all had the same response. Their hearts were filled with praise and thanksgiving, and they blessed the God of Israel and magnified the Lord. Let me show you.

#1 Elizabeth the cousin of Mary said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear."

#2 Mary the mother of Jesus said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior."

#3 Zacharias the father of John the Baptist said, "Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people."

#4 The Angels who visited the shepherds said, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men."

#5 The Shepherd's response, "Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen."

#6 The old man Simeon said, "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation."

#7 The prophetess Anna's Response, "She gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem."

My conclusion is this: Seven times people were exposed to Christmas in Luke's gospel, and seven times they worshipped. Seven times their hearts were filled with praise and thanksgiving. Seven times they blessed the God of heaven. What should are response be? I think it should be by worshipping Him with Whole-Life praise, Whole-Church praise, and Whole-Hearted praise. As the Apostle Paul said, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift." Whatever style of worship we may enjoy, may it be Wholly for God.

Till next time, Pastor Don

P.S. Three important announcements: Next Sunday morning at 11am is our Children's Christmas Program. Come early to get a good seat. Sunday night Randy & Marli Brown will be with us for a special Christmas Concert. Invite a friend and come enjoy an great evening of music. And Wednesday night is the Teen Fund Raiser Supper. Please call the office if you did not sign up. We need a count.

Cartoon of the Week: IS THERE ANYTHING MISSING?


 

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