Go

Go
Go out into the world
Go speak truthfully
Go live peacefully
Go walk faithfully
Go give generously
Go share outrageously
Go listen carefully
Go welcome everybody
Go laugh loudly
Go shout passionately
Go pray fervently
Go eat healthily
Go read widely
Go grow deeply
Go forgive wholeheartedly
Go love openly
Go follow humbly
Go show kindness
Go seek wisdom
Go act justly
Go buy fairly

This is a glimpse of remembering Thanksgiving and Christmas as we move on.

Found this on the web at hopefulimagiantion blog

Coast Guard Conversation

I was able to speak with a young Coastie yesterday who is out and about on the water somewhere serving his country. The Coastie is a part of Sunrise Community Church and while out on the boat serves as a lay pastor(Churchie word for pastor, minister, difference maker, follower of Christ, blah, blah, blah) on the boat. He is making a difference in his current world by serving others, encouraging others, doing his best at his job, and teaching others. He is away from home, family, and friends and yet has determinied to make the most of of His call. Barbaric. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Coastie. Prayers are offered for you.

Barbaric. See The Barbarian Way, Erwin McManus

For SCC - remember 12.31.06

Good looking group. The photographer needs to learn how to use the camera. Why do we take pictures? Oh yea, to remember. As we move into a new year may we remember Thanksgiving and Christmas. Not just the days, but the meaning of the days. I have found it interesting and puzzling how quick we forget. We celebrate Thanksgiving Day and then move into Black Friday, and after eating left overs for a couple of days we kinda, not on purpose, forget Thanksgiving. We buy gifts, attend parties, listen to Christmas music, exchange gifts, eat, and move on to the 26th. The real(we think) world of work, bills, concerns, traffic, and clean up kick in and we catch a little of the "Ba Hum Bug" virus and forget. Not intentionally of course.

"How was your Thanksgiving?" "Good." Move on. "How was your Christmas?" "Great." Move on. "Happy New Year." Move on. Don't get me wrong I am all for moving on, but let's move on with hearts that are thankful and in the spirit of Christ-Mass(Worship) AKA Christmas.

remember

23For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 25In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
I Corinthians 11:23-26

As '06 comes to a close. Remember Jesus Christ. As '07 begins. Move on in Jesus Christ.

Season of Compassion

Thanks for your prayers and giving during the "Season of Compassion" in November and December. We have exceeded our financial goal that is to be given to the Virginia Baptist Mission Board (VBMB) and will be used in a joint effort with over 1,400 participating churches to minister to people locally and internationally. The food collected for the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia will be delivered to them on Wednesday, January 3, 2007. Because of your thoughtfulness and generosity we were able to gather groceries that will help families in our area. Compassion International, a very solid and focused ministry, received wonderful exposure and children's lives will be touched by Christ and you as you help a child in a poverty stricken part of the world. Invite cards were sent and handed to many people and there lives were blessed by knowing that someone cares about them and invited them to be their guest and possibly join them in a very important part of their lives.

THANK YOU. THANK GOD. This is exciting.

For SCC - 12.24.06 Living Expectantly

The Christmas Eve Service was awesome. No "Scrooges" were present and we had a few people in attendance who actually like fruit cake. Miracles still happen. The attendance and atmosphere were awesome. "Way to go" to GLARE, to Terri Gabriele for the Christmas Tree, to Dawson Nethery for the "anticipation shorts", to Dana for Scripture reading, to those who helped with children and missed being with their fams in the service, and to Marcus and Shaun for the visual and lighting effects.

Living expectantly is a fun and challenging way to live. It definitely takes the "Ba Hum Bug" out of life and flavors it with anticipation, awareness and amazement. In the Christmas Eve service we looked at one verse: "BEHOLD THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD, AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD with us." Matthew 1:23

I shared how this verse can help us live in anticipation, awareness and amazement in our everyday lives and had fun giving away $20.00 bills to children who were willing to come up on stage and share what they were hoping to receive for Christmas. The children were anticipating receiving some neat gifts, and were more than ready to come up on stage when they heard $20.00 was at stake. I hope and pray that we as a church will live Matthew 1:23 in 2007. I hope and pray that we will live in anticipation, awareness and amazement, especially knowing that God in near.

Christmas Chaos

CHRISTMAS CHAOS

Christmas, a time of joy, peace and love that is expressed in many of the Christmas cards that paint a lovely, kind picture of Christmas. Snow capped homes, a beautiful Mary, a gentle baby, cute animals, a lighted tree, an evergreen wreath. Some American thoughts or statements about Christmas may be: “I’m looking forward to seeing family,” “I can’t stand my family,” “I can’t wait to open my gifts,” “I don’t like shopping,” “Christmas is wonderful,” “Christmas is depressing,” “I love the carols,” “I love the eggnog,” “The store lines are too long,” “The decorations are beautiful,” “Can I see Santa?,” “Santa’s not real,” “Yes, he is,” “Christmas is Jesus,” “Merry Christmas,” “Hey, that is my parking spot,” “Oh, just what I wanted (not really),” “Christmas is for children,” Hey, I’m an adult and I love to receive gifts,” “I don’t know what to buy my wife,” “I’m buying my husband socks,” “Mom, can we make cookies tonight?,” “Let’s drive around and look at lights,” “I’m too tired,” “Ho-ho-ho,” and finally, “Merry Christmas.”

Christmas. A time of joy, peace and love. A time when people give to charitable organizations. A time of the year when people become friendly except for line rage, road rage and parking lot rage. A time of year when people begin to reflect on the year almost gone. A time of the year when people party–I mean PARTY. A time of the year when we eat–I mean EAT. A time of the year that is fun. A time of the year with great music. A time of the year for giving and receiving. Christmas, oh the joy, peace and love that is spoken of on radio and television via the airwaves, and that is heard through beautiful carols in the malls, restaurants, homes and cars by way of CD’s and 8-track tapes (oops, Freudian slip). Christmas. A time for friends, family, gifts, children, vacation, Santa Claus, trees and lights. Christmas. A time of joy, peace and love when families come together. A time of the year when the same type of songs are listened to with brand new excitement.

Christmas parties. Christmas shopping. Christmas cookies. Christmas dinner. Christmas trees. Christmas lights. Christmas decorations. Christmas parades. Christmas carols. Christmas presents. Christmas friends (those you send cards to once a year). Christmas cards. Christmas Candlelight Services. Christmas Eve. Christmas Morning. Whew, no wonder we are dead tired at the end of December.

For you and me, may this Christmas be full of joy, peace, love and chaos. “Chaos? Why chaos?”, you say. “I experience enough chaos in my everyday life; let’s not add it to the Christmas list.” Yes, Christmas chaos. And please know I’m not suggesting we add to our list the things we need to do and the places we need to be. The Christmas chaos I’m speaking of will come in the quiet, reflective moment (most likely very few, unless you plan them) that you as an individual will spend jogging down memory lane. Christmas chaos will help you better experience God’s joy, peace and love this Christmas. Christmas chaos will help you become more joyous, peaceful and loving. Christmas chaos will help you deal with life’s chaos. Good chaos. That sounds like an oxymoron (whatever that is) but in the case of Christmas chaos, it is not so. “Okay, okay,” you say, “What is Christmas chaos?” Christmas chaos is you and God spending time together and your allowing the God who brought us Christmas to speak to you in a very real way as you read scripture, talk and listen to God, and reflect on the past year. Christmas chaos is you, yes you, allowing God to show you you. I know this sounds chaotic, but it’s not. It really is Christmas. Your experiencing God’s love. Your allowing God to bring some good chaos into your life as He helps you see your shortcomings and not your wife’s, or child’s, or friends’, or neighbors’. God dealing with you and your attitude of unforgiveness, or racism, or apathy, or jealousy, or ungratefulness. God in His loving and truthful way bringing chaos into your life as He asks you to call someone at whom you are mad, or write to someone who hasn’t written you back since the last time you wrote him or her. God may ask you to smile at someone in the store (God forbid), or to allow someone in front of you in line who doesn’t have as many items, even though the line is a half-mile long.

God will seek to make you more like His Son, Christ. And this will bring chaos. It will bring some discomfort. It may make you a little afraid when God says, “Hey, what about that secret closet in you heart?” or “What about your ________?” or “Will you please start thinking of others and not just yourself or your own family?” Ouch. Chaos. Good chaos.

The God who came out of glorious Heaven to enter our little, dingy domain called earth wants to be with you this Christmas. He wants to help you better your attitude, be more joyous, peaceful and loving. He wants to be a part of your everyday driving, working, marriage, parenting, friendship, and spending (oops). He loves you and me and desires to enter our territory and bring some Christmas chaos. Good chaos. Kinda like “Chicken Soup For the Soul” that is prepared and warmed on the oven of God as you sit still with Him and He develops you into a more complete, joyous, peaceful, loving person. Isn’t chaos good? Well, Christmas chaos can be. Experience it. Plan it. Do it. (Sounds like a commercial.)

This Christmas allow God to show you you. Open your life’s door and say, “God, come on in and let’s talk.” Place yourselves in “timeout” and permit the Inventor of Christmas to move in your life. Two key words: God and you. So type them into your life and allow God to search your soul and you will experience joy, peace, love and Christmas chaos.

Psalm 139:23-24: Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.

Merry Chaos!

Steve Nethery

You might be a Scrooge if...

YOU MIGHT BE A SCROOGE IF…

You turn on the lawn sprinklers on Christmas Eve
to keep carolers away;

You get your Christmas tree at a rest stop at night;

Your idea of holiday decorations is a rotten pumpkin;

Your favorite Christmas pastime is putting defective bulbs
in your neighbor’s string of Christmas lights;

Your favorite Christmas drink is rotten Egg Nog;

Your favorite Christmas song is
“Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer;”

Your idea of a staff or company Christmas party is
“O, just forget it;”

You like snow only because you know it will mean
there will be some cool car accidents;

Your favorite Christmas snack is one-year old fruitcake;

You don’t like the ending to “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Miracle on 31st Street,” “The Grinch,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”

You put a laxative in Santa’s cookies,
knowing and laughing about the outcome;

And finally, if your three favorite words are
“Ba Hum Bug”

Recently going through some old files and happened upon this Christmas Humor. Can,t remember where this was found or where it came from, but it is funny.

God Bless us. God bless us all.

An Office Prayer

FATHER,

WE THANK YOU FOR THIS TIME TOGETHER. IN THE PEACE OF THIS SEASON, OUR SPIRITS ARE JOYFUL AND THANKFUL. MAY THE HOPE, PEACE, JOY AND THE LOVE REPRESENTED BY THE BIRTH OF JESUS FILL OUR LIVES AND BECOME PART OF ALL THAT WE SAY AND DO. HELP US TO REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE THE REASON FOR THIS SEASON. MAY WE ALSO REMEMBER OTHERS LESS FORTUNATE THAN US AND FOR THOSE SEPARATED FROM LOVED ONES THIS TIME OF YEAR. PROTECT OUR SOLDIERS AND KEEP THEM SAFE. WE THANK YOU FOR THIS FOOD AND FOR EVERY PERSON THAT GAVE OF THEMSELVES IN PREPARATION OF THIS MEAL. PLEASE BLESS EACH PERSON HERE IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A PEACEFUL LIFE, JOY OF THE SOUL AND HEALTH OF THE BODY. BLESS THIS FOOD, USE IT TO NOURISH OUR BODY AND STRENGTHEN US TO DO YOUR WILL. WE ASK THESE THINGS IN YOUR NAME.

AMEN

This prayer was written for an office party by a friend of mine for a friend of hers. My friend took the time to write out this prayer in order to bless her friend and others at the party. Thank God. This is a touch of ministry and blessing others. Merry Christmas.

This friend is growing in Christ. She is seeking to honor God and live in Christ and the power and love of God. She is seeking to honor her husband, children and their spouses and others that are in her journey. I can tell you, and so can others, that her hope and joy are evident. Not all is right or perfect in her life, but she is alive and helping others become alive.

Sing in your car. Sing out loud. Sing.

Some of the Christmas Story

25-32In Jerusalem at the time, there was a man, Simeon by name, a good man, a man who lived in the prayerful expectancy of help for Israel. And the Holy Spirit was on him. The Holy Spirit had shown him that he would see the Messiah of God before he died. Led by the Spirit, he entered the Temple. As the parents of the child Jesus brought him in to carry out the rituals of the Law, Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God: God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. With my own eyes I've seen your salvation; it's now out in the open for everyone to see: A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel.
33-35Jesus' father and mother were speechless with surprise at these words. Simeon went on to bless them, and said to Mary his mother, This child marks both the failure and the recovery of many in Israel, A figure misunderstood and contradicted— the pain of a sword-thrust through you— But the rejection will force honesty, as God reveals who they really are.
36-38Anna the prophetess was also there, a daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was by now a very old woman. She had been married seven years and a widow for eighty-four. She never left the Temple area, worshiping night and day with her fastings and prayers. At the very time Simeon was praying, she showed up, broke into an anthem of praise to God, and talked about the child to all who were waiting expectantly for the freeing of Jerusalem.

Luke 2:25-38 found in the Bible

Center

In the picture at the top right of the page note who is central. May He be the Center.

"...they bowed down and worshipped Him..."

Merry Center

For SCC - JOY 12-17-06

The Christmas Story found in Mattthew and Luke is full of excitement and joy. During the service the past weekend we talked about singigng in the car and living with joy in our lives. This week I have been singing in the car, the room, and the office. Christmas songs are fun to sing. I diverse.

"Joy is the serious business of heaven." C.S. Lewis

Joy is a theme found in Christmas songs. Joy is a theme found in the Bible. Joy is a theme we desire to have in our lives. This joy thing seems to overcome us when we are singing in the car or when the joy thing overcomes us we sing in the car.

A few joy stealers are worry, fear, and negative people. Beware!

A few joy dealers are recognizing today as a gift, faith in God, and people who are encouragers.

May we sing and experience "Joy to the world."

FYI: Christmas Eve service from 5:00 - 6:00 PM

The Christmas Candle

Just read another little book by Max Lucado. The Christmas Candle is a moving and inspiring read. You will be touched, your grinch heart will grow and grow, and wonder will begin to wander anew in your thoughts.

May we pray and live with hope.

Christmas (un)Comfort Zone

Borrowed/Stolen from Greg English who borrowed/stole it from Granger Community Church. This isn't really Christmas, but it really is Christmas.

Granger is “intentionally helping people understand how they can experience a revolution in their life that can ultimately help them bring a revolution to their community. Granger isn't about helping people become churchy--it's about helping people experience a transformed life in Christ that challenges folks to live out their faith daily in today's culture. Frankly, that's a lot harder than just being churchy. Churchiness is easy. You just follow prescribed rules. Real faith is dynamic. It's controversial. It's dangerous. It's constantly growing. It asks challenging questions. It involves mystery. You can't put it in a box. You can't keep it quiet. You can't out-grow it. You can't out-dream it. It's more focused on others than it is on self.”

Dear God, Help me. Dear God, Help others. Christmas is not about being churchy or good. The first Christmas was the fleshy beginning of God to give Himself up in death and then explode in the power of the resurrection. As a follower of Christ I am a part of the church. God's Body. God's People. God's mission of reconciliation and redemption. MERRY CHRISTMAS.

GLARE at the Mall

On Saturday, 12-16-06, SCC's Music Team spent their afternoon at the Chesapeake Square Mall presenting songs of Christmas. They sounded great. Many people stopped by and enjoyed the music. Many positive comments were made as people heard old and familiar songs presented with a relevant medium ( Rock n Roll Baby). The Western Branch High School Dance Team were our special guest and along with them came family and friends. The Dance Team did a great job and added a new new twist (get it) to the gig. One person mentioned to me that Ruth was like, Ruth Crow (referring to Cheryl Crow). True. Props to GLARE and all who helped at the Mall. It is good to go public with the message of Christmas.

To all who help with the music in SCC. THANKS

This afternoon I did a quick reread of Max Lucado's book An Angel's Story. The book is a short piece that takes the reader into the spiritual world at the birth of Christ. It is encouraging and inspiring. I passed it on to a friend. Give it a read and enjoy a new Christmas perspective.

God's Christmas Call

26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." 29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." 34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" 35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37For nothing is impossible with God." 38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

Luke 1:26-38 found in the Bible

Wandering

This morn as I was praying, reading Scripture, meditating and seeking God I had to get up and move around due to nodding off just a little. Continued praying. To help me focus and to become alert again I had to recall some verses, quote those verses, move around a bit and tune my thought and heart knob to God. I am pretty sure I have ADPD (Attention Deficient Prayer Disorder).

In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice. In the morning I will offer my prayer to you and watch expectantly for the answer. Psalm 5:3

For SCC - You're Pregnant Aren't You? (HOPE) 12-10-06

Merry Xmas!!! Watch out for #44.

Merry Christmas. A statement of hope. Happy New Year. A statement of hope. Hope is a very important commodity. Christmas is about hope. Think of some of the Christmas shows you like and you will most likely see the theme of hope in them. Rudolph, The Grinch, Frosty, and my favorite in this category, the Little Drummer Boy. White Christmas, The Bishops Wife, and It's A Wonderful Life are classics that stir the hope bowl within us. Christmas songs are hopeful. Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer, maybe not the best choice :) I'll be Home for Christmas, I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, and here's one that will fill the hope bowl, Handell's Hallelujah Chorus.

I hope to graduate in ...

I hope the interview goes well.

Hope to see you at the party.

Just a few phrases of hope. There are many more. Listen to yourself this week and you will hear them.

I hope...

you will enter into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

you have a good week.

my son plays well at his Schools Band Winter(Christmas) concert.

my family is having a good day.

the prayers I am offering to God today are answered YES by God

my prayers make sense to God.

my 4:00 PM time with Jay is as rewarding for him as it is for me.

people who were in the service yesterday will live out and in hope.

Barbie Hofler made it to CA fine and God's presence is strong in her.

this blog is not a waste of your time :)

I hope...

That is just the beginning of my hope list.

On Sunday we sang song's of Hope. We heard stories of hope. I shared that hope leads us to experience a positive attitude and optimistic outlook and that it can change the way we pray. In hope we will pray more expectantly. We will go to God and seek after God in anticipation of meeting Him, hearing from Him, seeing His mighty hand move in our lives and in the lives of others, and watching for God's movement throughout the day. May we Hope. Dear God, Help me Hope. Thank You Lord for hope. Thank You.

FYI: Hope we meet the 33 Bags Goal. Hope you are giving to Virginia Missions. Hope you understand Compassion International.

A Reminder

This is Christmas.

www - wednesdays wonderful word

And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. Luke 2:20 found in the Bible

And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts... Matthew 2:11 found in the Bible

and Mary said, "My soul exalts the Lord..." Luke 1:46

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel... Luke 2:68

Praise and worship are very evident in the record of the birth of Jesus Christ. God's awesomeness is recognized and praise spews forth. The Magi (wise men or Kings) bow down and worship the King of Kings as he lay in the manger. They recognize His majesty. The shepherds praise God. Zechariah and Mary speak or sing words of praise and glory. In the midst of their travels, work, responsibilities, difficulties, uncertainties, marvels and relationships they praise God. This Christmas anniversary may we praise God. When you drive or walk by a manger scene praise God. While waiting in traffic or in a line praise God. When your day seems to being going south praise God. When prayers are answered praise God. Praise God. Choose praise.

Psalm 150
1 Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.


The Christ-child stood at Mary's knee,
His hair was like a crown,
And all the flowers looked up at Him
And all the stars looked down.
- G. K. Chesterton

The Christmas Story - Luke 2:1-20

1-5About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.
6-7While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.
8-12There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
13-14At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
15-18As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
19-20Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!

Luke 2:1-20 found in the Bible

For SCC - 12-3-06 Heaven's Expectations

Christmas songs are awesome. They bring a message of hope and anticipation. This Sunday we began a new series that will take us through the month of December. The theme is "Great Xpectations." X in this case representing Christ. We are looking at the birth of Jesus Christ as found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. This past Sunday our special guest, "the linebacker", was a hit as we enjoyed (we are a sick people) watching him tackle people in order to help them remember that Christmas is not Xmas. Is anybody up for a little friendly game of tackle? On Sunday we looked at various passages found in Matthew and Luke to determine what Heaven's hope for Christmas might be. I shared that some of Heaven's Hopes are 1) that we realize that God is near, 2) that all people would enter into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, 3) that we worship God. The message was left undone and I asked those in attendance to look into the story and finish the message. Even if you weren't in attendance you can read the story found in Matthew and Luke or go see The Nativity Story and give your input as to what Heaven's hopes are for Christmas. This Christmas we have many expectations, hopes, and desires. We anticipate having a good time with friends and family at various gatherings. We look forward Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Some of us look forward to a school break or a little time away from the office or work. some of us dream of a white Christmas. Expectation. It is all around. May we seek to gain insight into Heaven's Xpectations this Christmas season.

Dear God, This Christmas season help me...

for those at the service on 12-3-06

As you read and think about the Christmas story found in Matthew and Luke, or if you see the movie The Nativity Story, what is it you see in common with Mary, Joseph, the wise men, the shepherds, Zechariah, and Elizabeth? Heaven's Xpectation. Leave a comment. Let's have some fun growing in Heaven's Hope.

The Nativity Story

I just arrived home from veiwing The Nativity Story at a local theater with my son. We were both touched and moved to a little mist in the sockets (That's a mans way of saying we cried a bit). The story as found in the Bible is beautiful, wild, raw, gentle, mysterious, mad, and God. To view the artistic rendition on the screen was... I am not sure how to describe it, amazing, romantic, wonderful, disconcerting, comforting.

I left the theater with a heart full of gratitude and praise. In the midst of human chaos God fleshes out redemption. God came near. It is a fact that we live in a very (sometimes) hard world and this real life we live in can be diffucult, but it is also a fact that God is real and active. Thank God.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
Luke 2:14

Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit move us way past religion and into relationship. A relationship with The God of the universe and all of creation is the message of Happy Holidays. The story of Happy Holidays is found in Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2, Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 7:14 and Philippians 2:1-11.

1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had:

6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a human being,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:1-11 found in the Bible

Interesting spin on the Christmas season. Giving thought to verses 1-4 at this time of will hopefully move us into a new Christmas perspective.

Merry Christmas