As we enter December, we all have plans and busy schedules that will leave us in a blur. As we celebrate as a church and as families, let us not forget the reason we celebrate Jesus’ birth.
That reason has been simply stated “Jesus was born to die.” Though this is truth, it is harsh. We tend to celebrate Christmas and the birth this small precious child who was born on a silent night in that little town of Bethlehem. We keep this death, burial and resurrection relegated to our Easter Celebrations. Christmas is a time to celebrate, but only because of Easter. Let us view Christmas from the perspective of the Resurrection. Then, we truly have reason to celebrate more than just a baby born, or even more, a man put to death, but because of the love shown, grace given and eternal life offered. Jesus was born as a baby. He grew to a man who became the way for our redemption with God, but as a sacrifice of great price. At Christmas, we received a gift – a gift of life – ours – an eternal life because of that baby who became a man who paid our price. What a great gift! Merry Christmas and God Bless you all!
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From Steve's Desk
Thanksgiving was always a day that I looked forward when I was growing up. It was always at my home because we had the biggest house with both sides of my family coming. I always wanted to go over the river and through the woods to grandma’s house, but both of my grandmothers always came to my house, go figure. The food was also something looked forward to, and I miss it to this day. My maternal grandfather always made the turkey and dressing, though it was dry to the bone, it was tradition. My mother always made the chicken & noodles and a variety of pies. One aunt always made the mashed potatoes that were dripping with butter and another aunt would make a fancy dessert bar from the recipes she found in the latest magazines. One of my great aunts always brought a large #10 can of peaches without fail. Another one would make homemade bread and someone else always brought the pop. Isn’t it funny how after all these years, I can recall such detail. I bet you can too! Thanksgiving a great time of the year, but it is more than just one day or a season of the year. It is time to reflect on all that God has done for us and all that He has given to us, but it is more. Thankfulness is also a feeling, but it is more than that too. Thanksgiving is how we should be living. It is being thankful, saying we are thankful, showing we are thankful and living like we are thankful. As we pause this month to give thanks, may we be challenged to feel it more, say it more, show it more and live it more. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4 Lord, we are thankful! Lisa and I want to express our gratitude to God and you for our opportunity to serve Him at Advance. We have always felt at home. October 15th marked our 3rd anniversary and it is hard to believe that it has been that long. Thank you for your support and encouragement in our ministry, we so appreciate being a part of your family. |
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January 2025
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