Merry Christmas FBC!
Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do His just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD.
(Zephaniah 2:3)
I’m intrigued by this verse for a few reasons today. First, it was what stood out to me during my daily reading this morning. It is a verse I am chewing on (meditating on) today. Second, I am planning (Lord willing) to preach on the book of Zephaniah early on in 2016. But I am also thinking on this verse in relation to Christmas. Yes, Zephaniah can relate to Christmas! The Incarnation of Christ – His coming to earth in the form of man, is an absolutely stunning picture of humility. Those who seek the Lord are seeking the all-powerful sovereign God of the universe. But they are also seeking the God who became man. The humble servant. The one who was placed in a manger, though He belonged in a heavenly palace. So let us seek Him this Christmas. Let us seek righteousness. Let us seek humility. Perhaps we may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD. And indeed, all who trust in Christ, all who are born again to a living hope, will certainly be hidden from God’s anger – because Jesus took it upon Himself on the cross!
Dave Ezell asked me to share with you about the Central Linn High School staff appreciation project he is heading up. It is taking place this Wednesday. They will be providing some goodies for the staff lounge to show appreciation and bless the staff. He’s looking for a few people willing to help him out. If that’s you, could you please contact Dave? Thank you!
Each year I’ve encouraged us all to read through the Bible together. This is a great way for us to help spur one another on in our spiritual growth, and for us to try and be “on the same page.” For 2016 I am planning to use a reading plan that comes highly recommended by Randy Waldie. It is one that he has used for many years. Instead of having us read from different places in the Bible each day, it generally has us reading in one book of the Bible each day. It works through an OT history book, then a prophetic book, then a NT book, and so on. It has us reading from the wisdom books on Sundays. I’d love it if many of us could try again to read from the same plan! We have copies of this plan printed up and available on one of the small tables in the foyer. You can pick yours up when you are at the church, and I or Rosemary can show you where they are if you have trouble locating it!
Don’t forget that this Sunday is our church family Christmas dinner immediately following our morning worship service. The meat will be provided, and we are asking that people whose last names are from A-E bring scalloped potatoes; F-I bring salads; J-M bring a vegetable, and N-Z bring rolls or dessert. Looking forward to a good time of enjoying a wonderful meal together!
Following the Christmas dinner we are holding our annual business meeting. All are invited to come and hear reports from the Commissions from this past year. Members also will be voting on some new members being added, new officers for the coming year, the annual budget, as well as voting on the possible sale of the church bus, and the possibility of dividing the funds from a large donation between missions and our local church use. A sample ballot has been posted on the bulletin board in the foyer for two weeks.
As for this Sunday morning, rumor has it that we are going to have a special visitor! I’ve heard that one of the original shepherds from the story we read in Luke 2 is going to come and share his perspective on Christmas. I think we’ll all want to hear what he has to say! You can read Luke 2:8-20 in preparation for this message.
Don’t forget that December 20 is our Children’s Christmas Program during the morning service. Invite friends and family for a fun and joyful presentation, complete with a ballet performance again this year!
At 6pm on Dec. 20 will be our annual “Christmas by Candlelight”. This is always a special and beautiful way to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Savior. Bring the whole family and worship the Light of the world!
Wise men still seek Him…
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael