The Night Before Christmas

Josh and his friend, Adam, wrote the following poem as part of a class writing assignment. I think the poem captures the meaning of the Christmas season. We need to remember that the cultural elite did not recognize God's coming in flesh.

The first Christmas witnessed the miraculous birth of a King, but it took place in a lowly manger. Mary and Joseph came to a simple inn keeper who was willing to create space for one more weary traveler. The Christ of Christmas has always been present for those who make room for Him.

Christmas was not meant to be a cultural holiday with tinsel, decorations and gift giving. This cultural imitation of Christmas is under siege and we would do well to let it die a quick and painless death. As followers of Christ who celebrate His coming to earth, Christmas is the day that God remembered us and sent His only son to save us from our sin. Christmas is Christ in us, the hope of glory; and He lives in the heart of every Christ follower.

We worship Him who is worthy 365 days a year, but we will pause on December 25th to remember and celebrate once again the miracle of His coming. In our families and in our homes, let's make room for our King! Might we know the freedom we have in Christ as we serve Him this Christmas!

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the town
Not one room in the Inn, the couple left with a frown
Little did this innkeeper know he turned down The King
But God had a better plan, the angels did sing

They came across a manger; this is where they would stay
Unfit for a Savior, it offered nothing but hay
A humble baby was to be born that night
He would come to die for us without a fight

Word of a King soon traveled afar
Three wise men arrived, trusting God in the star
These men brought great gifts, for honor and praise
But we would worship Him in many other ways

Jesus didn't just come for the rich and the wise
But for the poor, the hurting, and even the ones we despise
He left a paradise in Heaven because of His love for us
To save us from sin, so we could give him our trust

Now this is what Christmas is all about
To give us life, without a doubt
Jesus is a free gift, if you choose to receive
God gave us a choice, to reject or believe

One Of A Kind Creations

We had a lot of fun this evening decorating Christmas cookies. Click on the above picture to see a short slideshow of our time.

What would Christmas be without decorating sugar cookies? Some of our cookie artists were exceptionally creative this year. I'm sure that you have never seen Christmas cookies like these! They are one of a kind creations fit for consumption. They tasted good too!

Silent Night

All Is Calm, All Is Bright

The Sojourners Adult Bible Fellowship had a Christmas social this evening. We enjoyed some great food, a "white elephant" gift exchange, and singing Christmas carols. You can click on the above picture to see a slideshow of the evening.

It was a great time of fellowship and time to connect with one another. The weather outside was cold and harsh. The climate inside was warm and comforting. The Christmas lights that brightly shine in the darkness reminds us that Christ is the light of the world. And tonight because of Christ, all is calm and all is bright.

New Friends

Friends Class

The Friends Class concluded yesterday. Click on the picture above to see a short slideshow of those who were in the class. Over 25 people attended one of the six sessions but there were about 16 who were present just about every week.

Every Friends Class is special, but this one was exceptionally so. You know that God is at work when you reach the end of the six weeks and you don't want the class to end. It never ceases to amaze me how you can grow to get to know and care for people in such a short time!

New Covenant is a family of growing disciples. God's hand is on our church in a special way. We want to make sure that we share that blessing with everyone God brings into our path. We are a family that is committed to making space for one more person. Help me welcome these new friends to our family!

A Wonderful Day

Children's Choirs

What a great time we had today. The children's choirs performed at the beginning of each worship service. The brass ensemble played Christmas carols in the lobby. And the Angel Tree was a bustle of activity with over 50 gift tags signed out today! It was a day with something for everyone in the family.

It was a day of worship and celebration. It was a day of service and sharing. It was a wonderful day!