This time of the year is always so wonderful for me! It's Christmas! Special worship services, Christmas Eve, families and friends are getting together, parties, giving gifts, and in the middle of it all finding a quiet place by my fireplace early in the morning for quiet reflection and prayer. It's the time when I…Read more This Time of the Year!
Advent
CHRISTMAS FAVOR
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ... Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:10; 14, NIV) A wonderful promise is contained in the phrase, "good…Read more CHRISTMAS FAVOR
Sing with Hope this Christmas!
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!” (Luke 1:46–47, NLT) Most of us would agree with Mary, we can't help but rejoice as we sing the songs of Christ's incarnation! God becomes man to abide with us. The angel said, "Name him Jesus, for he will save his…Read more Sing with Hope this Christmas!
CHRISTMAS 2015
It’s been a perfect Christmas Day at the Clanton home. The aroma of Ethiopian Coffee brewing and reading your Bible makes for the start of great morning! Our children don’t get up bright and early like they used too. I had to convince one to get up, with him protesting, “Dad its Christmas!” Duh! I…Read more CHRISTMAS 2015
Christmas Eve 2015
Christmas Eve at Woodland Church is always special! The carols, music, candlelight, communion, friends, family and of course the Christmas story of God’s Christmas Peace in Christ. It’s always amazing to step out and see so many friends locally and from far away come home to Woodland! “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do…Read more Christmas Eve 2015
Sometimes Christmas Makes Me Cry
Listening to Mandisa's rendition of Joy to the World on her Christmas Joy Album is a treat. Listening to her sing it tonight, I wasn't prepared for Matthew West and she to sing Christmas Makes Me Cry. Hmmm. I've played it over and over for the last hour, because the way they sing these lyrics speaks…Read more Sometimes Christmas Makes Me Cry
Getting Ready For Christmas – What do you want me to do?
It's music to hear someone ask with enthusiasm, "What do you want me to do? Just ask? Anything?" This year, one of our volunteers said to me, "Pastor, I'll do anything to help, all you have to do is ask!" Wow! Those words were encouraging to me. In the months that have followed, their word…Read more Getting Ready For Christmas – What do you want me to do?
Getting Ready for Christ – Passionate Followers of Christ
Woodland Church's mission statement was prayerfully and thoughtfully written fifteen years ago. "Celebrating God's Love by Persuading People to become Passionate Followers of Christ!" John the Baptist would have been a model of our mission statement. He was a passionate believer that fearlessly shared God's love and his message. John said, it's not enough to be racially…Read more Getting Ready for Christ – Passionate Followers of Christ
Getting Ready For Christmas – Poetry and Prophecy
Advent is here! It's time to prayerfully prepare our hearts and get ready to celebrate the first advent of our Savior while we look forward to his return. It's a season of prayer, examination, confession, celebration, joy and remembrance. There will be worship services, children's plays, concerts, dinner and parties with family and friends this Christmas…Read more Getting Ready For Christmas – Poetry and Prophecy
Getting Ready for Christmas!
We've all had to get ready for a big day, like a wedding, your child's graduation party, or a move. There preparations in our home, invitation lists, decorations, menus, entertainment, help, etc. Wow, I'm getting stressed just thinking about it. We have a tree in a bucket of water for Christmas, decorations that have to…Read more Getting Ready for Christmas!
