As I enter into the spirit of the Christmas season I find that entry difficult with the responsibilities, advertisements, commitments, programs and other activities swirling around me. Meetings, parties and pageants sometimes happen on the same night, making Lee and I choose between two places we'd really like to be. Our District Christmas Party fell by the wayside in lieu of our annual event ,"Come See The Child." And what an event it was! Beautiful music, children playing in Bethlehem, and the story of our Savior's birth. But, sometimes the "spirit" of Christmas can be lost in the "trappings" of Christmas. That's when I realize I need to become observant of things beyond my own concerns.

Last Sunday morning I was able to do this. At the first service I wasn't sure if I was contagious I blessed and then delegated the serving of Communion to some of our lay persons. I watched as you came to the altar and knelt. I did the same, this time beside Lee, and we shared this sacred moment together. What a great place to begin our journey through the distractions of Christmas!

At the second service we had a record number of attendees watching almost 80 children sing about Jesus (the reason for Christmas). The words to the songs and the lines (some memorized and some read) will be a part of those children and their parents for life. God truly "wrote His Word on their hearts." I hope God's Word stays and becomes a permanent part of the lives of these children and adults. That IS the point of our teaching and the "programs" of Christmas.

This evening, Wednesday December 10th, 2008, we will have another opportunity to hear the stories of Christmas and how we can bring Christmas home, even in difficult times. Our pot-luck will happen at 5:30 pm and our service of songs and stories will begin at 6:00 pm. I hope you will come, sing, listen and take home a renewed appreciation for the Christ child.

Sunday we'll be treated to a musical look at Christmas as our Good News Singers present "Go Tell It." They've practiced hard so come and support them and be blessed with their music. They will be singing at both services.

Finally, make plans to end the Advent season on your knees as we enjoy Christmas Eve Communion at 5:00 pm and 11:00 pm on December the 24th. Childcare will be provided at the 5:00 pm service only. We'll have some beautiful music, a short message and some wonderful time at the altar thanking God for the greatest gift in history. Remember that our altar is an open one. The table is the Lord's Table. It is not Methodist or Protestant. All who call on Christ as their Savior are welcomed to this wonderful time of worship to God with Christ's Church.

So let God's love sent to us in the person of a little child become our focus for this special season. Happy Birthday Jesus!

In Christ, Randy