Joy to the World....

the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king! Praise the Lord that He has come and will come again. Christmas has to be my favorite time of year. It was as a child and even more so as an adult. The Christmas season reminds me of the hope and love that Jesus Christ brings to the world. We should praise and honor Him not only during the Christmas season, but all year long. He blesses us each and every day and we owe it to Him to honor and praise Him each and every day as well. So, in keeping with the Christmas spirit, I encourage everyone to allow Christ's love to shine in and through us not only during the Christmas season, but all year long.

I also want to say how beautiful the sanctuary is with the decorations. We have such a beautiful church and it becomes even more beautiful this time of year. Many thanks to those on the decorating committee for doing such a fine job (as always). The poinsettias will soon be on display and will add to the beauty of it all. Come and share in the beauty, not only the beauty of the decorations, but the beauty of all the Lord has done for us!

XYZ: don't forget about your upcoming outing this Friday evening. You will be leaving the church at 6pm, Dec. 8th and will be going to the Chestnut Grill in Orangeburg. Following the meal, you will then go to New Hope Baptist Church to view the "Life of Christ" performance. Please make sure your name is on the sign up sheet in the vestibule in order to confirm supper reservations. You are sure to receive a blessing!

The gym will be open this Sat., Dec. 9th from 7-10pm for children grades 5 and up. Come and bring a friend.

The children will be taking a trip to Riverbanks Zoo to see the "Lights Before Christmas", Thursday, Dec. 21st. Children grades 1-6 are invited to attend. The group will be leaving the church at 6pm and should arrrive back around 9:30pm. Money for food and $5.00 for zoo admission is needed.

On Tuesday, Dec. 12th there will be an outing just for toddlers. Please meet at church at 5:30pm so you will be able to leave with the rest of the group at 6pm. If anyone would like to meet the group there, they will be arriving at Riverbanks Zoo at 6:40pm. You sure to be in for a treat! You will be going to see the "Lights Before Christmas".

We have begun our study of the celebration of Advent "Sharing the Christmas Story". We will continue this study through Sunday, Dec. 24th. Advent means waiting and we are indeed waiting............waiting on the return of our Lord and Savior. Come and hear what the Lord has placed on our pastor's heart to share with us during this Advent season.

The children have been working very hard on their upcoming Christmas program. It will be held this Sunday, Dec. 10th at 6pm. There will be refreshments in the fellowship hall following the performance. The title for this year's Christmas musical is "Baby Jesus, We Love You". It will be performed by the Preschool Praiser's and God's Kids. It will portray the events that led up to the birth of Christ through the eyes of children. The children kicked it off with a special announcement of their own Sunday morning. Just a little glimpse of what is in store for us next Sunday evening. Everyone is invited. Come and bring a friend!
**Note: there will be a dress rehearsal this Sat, Dec. 9th at 1pm in the sanctuary.**

The adult choir (now known as the Chancel Choir) has also been preparing for our Christmas cantata. It is entitled "The Promise of a King", A Christmas Proclamation of Hope". It will be held Sunday, Dec. 17th at 6pm. Now I am sure some are wondering "What is a chancel choir?". The chancel choir is a SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) choir that provides the music during most Sunday services. Everyone is also invited to this performance as well. Hope to see you there!
**Note: the adult choir will practice next Sat., Dec. 16th. Practice will begin at 4pm, we will stop for a break at 6pm and then practice again until 8pm.**

Don't forget...there will be no evening services Sunday, Dec. 24th (Christmas eve). There will be a New Year's Eve service Sunday, Dec. 31st at 6pm with communion and candlelighting.

The young people have started delivering Christmas cards. Many thanks to the young people participating in this and to those who are over-seeing it. There is a great deal of work that goes on behind the scenes in a church and the Lord told His people to work til Jesus comes. Let's be busy about the work of Lord and our church. Doing those things that Christ would have us do is a good way to allow Christ's love to shine in and through us.

Let's also remember those who are sick, bereaved, recovering from surgery, etc. in our prayers. Even though their names are not mentioned here, God knows who they are, and every need will be met according to His will and in His time. We may not understand the reason why, but God does and that's what counts! May His blessings continue to fall on you and yours during this Christmas season!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)