Merry “Christ”mas!   Who doesn’t like Christmas?!   Most of America and the world is preparing to celebrate Christmas.  It is a very festive time.  A time of decorating the house and adorning a tree with lights, ornaments and gifts.  There will meals shared and gifts exchanged.  It will be a time of getting caught-up with family and friends that we may have seen very little, if any, throughout the year.  All these things are good, but lets not forget the reason we have to celebrate - “For there is born to you this day…a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” 

(Luke 2:11) - “and they shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)  The Christ in Christmas is the  reason for celebration - for apart from Jesus Christ, mankind has no hope!  The bible says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)   Most of us have lost loved ones, family and friends.  Whether is has been recent, or many years ago, we still since our lose.  But the Bible reminds us that we do not sorrow as those who have no hope “for if we believe that Jesus died (for our sins) and rose again (for our justification), even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4: 14).  The Gift of God - in a past, present and future reality!  Lets make sure we receive and share the greatest gift of all (JESUS) with all that we come in contact with!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

In His Service,

Pastor Rodney