Christmas Eve was wonderful at Woodland.  The glorious music and joyous singing, the Christmas lights and flickering candles, sharing the Lord’s supper with so many friends and family, the Word of God shared and the celebration of those who trusted in Christ alone for salvation!  Yea God!  Share the joy with me as you read this post.

One member of our congregation wrote to tell of two invited family members, who seldom attend a church, crossed the line to put their faith in Christ.  In the soft light, the hands of young and old were lifted to indicate “I have committed my life Jesus Christ.”  Those moments thrill me.  For instantly I know that God’s grace enters the hearts of those who trust Him.

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation.” (Isaiah 61:10)

Your invitations brought joy and hope to many!  Like the shepherds of the Christmas story we shared with friends and family and they came to see and hear for themselves.  God bless you richly!

The joy of Christmas continues.  The season of celebrating Christ’s glorious birth to redeem us from the hard labor of sin is ours to enjoy for the days to come.  Savor this season.  Relish the thoughts of God’s good will, peace and joy to you!  When we think of all that God has done for us at Christmas the best way to respond is to fall to our knees in prayerful worship (see Ephesians 3:14).

Resist the pull of everything that would hurry you along, by saying Christmas is over.  (Although you might be relieved that the decorating, shopping etc are finished.) The believers who came before us knew that this was a season not for merchandising but meditation upon all that God has done for us.  The joy of Christmas will fill our hearts and those we love as we rejoice in His promises.

Christ surely came and Christ will surely come again!  In the meantime God promises to renew us with His love and eventually bring us home to be with Him. (See Zephaniah 3:14-20)  Live in Christ’s peace, give thanks to Him for our salvation, and do not let your hearts be troubled, for Christ has overcome the world.  “I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)  “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who in the world.” (1 John 4:4) Amen!

Peace and Joy to the World!