Once again I find it hard to believe it is December already. The next newsletter I write will be for the January 2020 Beacon. 2020!! When I hear or read things that reference dates in the 1990s, it still strikes me as only a few years ago. Then when I pause to put it in perspective, the 90s are about as long ago now as Watergate and Vietnam were when I got married!
Time certainly does fly, whether you’re having fun or not. And it’s been a crazy year. I won’t recount the milestones and difficulties here; I did that a few months ago. But God continues to show His goodness; Matt and Brenda are back in the office, Ashley continues to improve, Nancy Good has come through her treatment with great results, and more.
And YOU have been a GREAT congregation through all of it! I am so grateful for your support and extra help through a trying season. In the middle of all the extra work and busyness, you also blessed us with some great cards and gifts for Pastor Appreciation Sunday, so thank you! You are a wonderful church.
Christmas is right around the corner. I know it’s a busy time of year, but my advice to you is to stay centered. The birth of our Savior is one of the greatest things we can celebrate as believers, so don’t let circumstances, schedules, and expenses steal your joy! Focus on what God has given us, on WHO He has given us; remember, and remind your children, that this day is about Him.
I hope you will join us for the Christmas program, and PLEASE invite your friends and neighbors! A lot of people are part of the program, so we need people in the sanctuary to take it in. The program is an excellent presentation of the Gospel; be praying now that God will use it to bring people to Himself.
I’d also love to see you at the Christmas Eve service. We will keep it short and simple, and it will take the place of our Wednesday night service that week.
Looking ahead, we will be starting the year with a fast again, starting on January 5th and ending with a family meal on January 26th . I don’t have a theme for it, and may not have. But many of you have come to appreciate the three week fast as a way to settle, focus, and prepare your hearts for the coming year.
My prayer is that you glorify God while you enjoy an abundant, safe, healthy, and very Merry Christmas!
Blessings,
