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Spiritual Development December 2017

I have a confession to make. I have been listening to Christmas music for a few weeks now.  There, I said it.  Judge me if you want, but I just couldn’t help myself this year.  I’m usually much more resolute about waiting until after Thanksgiving, but this year I caved.  It feels good to get that off my chest.  But seriously, some of my favorite Christmas songs are not the ones that you typically hear on the radio. One in particular that has stood out to me this year is “It came Upon a Midnight Clear.” Here’s a verse from that hymn:

“O ye beneath life's crushing load,

Whose forms are bending low,

Who toil along the climbing way

With painful steps and slow;

Look now, for glad and golden hours

Come swiftly on the wing;

Oh rest beside the weary road

And hear the angels sing.”

It’s no surprise to anyone that the holiday season can enhance stress and busyness in our lives rather than gratitude and peace.  A season which is meant to remind us of the birth of Christ our King can instead leave us feeling out of breath and restless from all the hustle and bustle associated with American Christmas.  Don’t get me wrong.  I love the Christmas season.  But there is a huge temptation, even for Christians, to run right past the “reason for the season” by being distracted with many other good things.

This season stands as a reminder that we can live in “glad and golden hours” because of Christ’s coming. Our faith in Christ provides us the ability to rest alongside the weary road of life and hear the angels sing their song, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)  So while you may be feeling the pressures of the holiday season, don’t neglect to rest in the hope of the song of the angels.  Rest in the peace of Christ this Christmas.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Recommended Resource — Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp
Every time the Christmas season comes around, we look forward to putting up a tree, giving and   receiving gifts, and participating in other traditions that make this wonderful time of year so special. But sometimes the most significant aspect of the season — remembering and focusing on the coming of Jesus — grows old and familiar. This 31 day devotional seeks to   recapture our attention and reawaken our awe during Christmastime.

Kids Happenings December 2017

Hello church family,
Let me tell you, I love social media… when it’s used in good ways and not in ways to discourage others or tear     people down.  It can be used to dote on our kiddos, share our adventures, and encourage our friends with birthday wishes. If you don’t use social media it’s okay, it’s not for everyone and can be very addicting and time consuming, and for some, depressing.

Sadly, social media has its downfalls when it comes to relationships. Sure we can say we have 836 Facebook friends, but are they really friends? Are they even acquaintances?  When I look at the number of friends and followers that I have on social media I realize that the majority of them I haven’t spoken to in years. But I feel like I know them and I’m sure they feel the same way about me.  That’s just not right!  They don’t know me, they only know the things I want to share publicly. Not the truths that I keep to myself or only share with those that are truly “friends”.

The issue with present culture is we post pictures of the food we’re about to eat or the event or gathering we just attended. TV commercials make us feel like a loser if we haven’t backpacked Thailand or run with the bulls (which by the way is CRAZY).  We consume experiences like our small-plate appetizers and post our results on Facebook.  We choose to proudly advertise our worldly lives and deny our “friends” of knowing more about our Savior.  The bible tells us in Matthew 10:27 that we “shall proclaim from the rooftops”.  What is it that you are proclaiming? Is it your 35th small-plate appetizer or coffee house latte?  Social Media can be a VERY tall rooftop to proclaim a 2,000 year-old     message about a God who gave for us so we can give for others.

Imagine what our relationships would be like with our 836 “friends” when they hear Gods word through your social media and possibly learn more about your heart and Savior. Who knows.. that “friend” may become more than a mere acquaintance and become a sister or brother in Christ.  This coming holiday season, when you’re posting pics of your beautiful decorations and holiday feast, remember you have a rooftop to proclaim much more!

Thank you for allowing me to love on your kiddos.
God Bless,