New Year's Gift

"If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“In your hand has been placed a priceless gift. Look at it closely. There is no price maker stamped on it. It cannot be weighed, because no scale can balance its value. A king's ransom in comparison is as nothing yet it is given to beggar and prince alike. The giver asks only that it be used wisely and well.

This jewel, rare and unique, is not displayed in any shop window. It cannot be purchased, cannot be sold. No other treasure holds the possibilities this gift offers -- none can surpass its golden splendor.

Of all gifts, this is one of the most precious. It has been offered many times before; today, from the depths of a limitless love it will be given again. It will be left to you to find the golden thread running through it. Only with great care will the jewel retain its luster. Carelessness, ingratitude and selfishness will tarnish the brilliance, break the unspoiled thread, mar the perfection.

Guard it closely, lest through weak fingers it slip from the hand. Look often at its faultless beauty. Accept it as it is offered from the heart of the giver. Consider it is the most treasured of possessions, for of all gifts it is by far the greatest. It is the gift of the New Year.”
           [--Cited from timothyreport.com,  December 27, 2004]

As we begin a new year, I hope and pray that you will keep and use each moment for God’s glory.  If you’ve gotten out of the habit of weekly worship, now’s an excellent time to start back!

So, I hope you'll be in worship this new year, whether in person or online!  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!!

Our Presents - Jesus' Presence

“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

A Prayer for the Opening of Christmas Gifts

“O Great Giver of all good gifts, make these beautifully packages and their contents more for us than simply objects and possessions.

Open our eyes… that we may see in these gifts the love and care that you have given us to share with one another. Grant that the sentiments behind every gift might be truly appreciated, and that our ‘Thank yous’ might be genuine.

Open our eyes… that these gifts might, in some small way, remind us of the many gifts you offer to us every day – food and family, clothes and shelter, employment and recreation, life and love.

Oen our eyes… that we may see in each of these gifts a tiny reflection of the greatest Christmas gift of all – the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

[-From the brochure “Jesus Presence; Our Presents” by Creative Communications for the Parish (St. Louis, MO) © 1993]

As you open (or have opened) the Christmas gifts of your household, may the joy of this day be yours, and may your gifts always bring to mind a recollection of God’s greatest gift to you and me… the baby Jesus! Remember, God loves you and I do, too! Merry Christmas!

Mary's Dream

"Mary treasured all these words [of the Shepherds] and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

“I had a strange dream, Joseph. I'm not sure, but I think it was about a birthday for our son. The people had been preparing for it for six weeks by decorating the house and buying new clothes. They'd gone shopping many times and bought elaborate gifts. It was peculiar, though, because the presents weren't for our Son. They were wrapped in beautiful paper and tied with lovely bows and stacked under trees. Yes, Joseph, a tree, right in their house -- with branches decorated and full of glowing balls and sparkling ornaments. And there was a figure on the top of the tree -- an angel I think.

Everyone was laughing and happy and all excited about the gifts, and they gave the gifts to each other, Joseph, not to our Son. I don't think they even knew Him. They never mentioned His name. Doesn't it seem odd for people to go to all that trouble to celebrate someone's birthday if they don't know Him? I had the strangest feeling that if our Son had gone to this celebration, He would have been intruding. Everything was so beautiful, Joseph, and everyone so happy, but it made me want to cry. How sad for Jesus -- not to be wanted at His own birthday party. I'm glad it was only a dream, though. How terrible, Joseph, if it had been real.”  [–by Lloyd D. Lance]

As we prepare for Christmas, I encourage us not to get so caught up in all the consumerism, partying, and family get togethers that we forget Jesus as the real “reason for the season”!

Instead, invite your friends and family to join you in participating in the special activities and services of our church that are designed to help us focus on the one who’s birth is the reason why we celebrate in the first place. 

Don’t forget our two services on Christmas Eve (4:30pm and 6:30pm), a brief service of scripture and music on at 9am on Christmas Day, and one service at 11am on New Year’s Day with the chance to celebrate Holy Communion and the reaffirmation of your baptism.

Whatever you choose to participate in, let it be some of the ways that you celebrate the true reason for the season.  And always remember that God loves you and do, too!