Good Saturday morning to each of you reading this blog on this chilly December morning. If you haven't been outside yet today, it was quite chilly when I stepped out a couple of hours ago (7am). While the temperatures outside may be ever changing, there is always one constant in our lives that will never let us down. That is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is ever present, ever faithful, loyal and loving. Full of forgiveness and promise. He IS the reason for the season. Without Him, Christmas isn't Christmas. His love for us keeps the fires in our hearts burning. Keeping the torch lit in our hearts and minds.

If you or someone you know is in need of a church home, invite them to Sunday services with you. There is no greater gift one can give than of the love and hope of Jesus.

This time of year always brings with it a certain amount of extra stress. The pressure to meet all the needs of those around us. The pressure to shop til you drop. The pressure to participate in as many activities as one possibly can. While doing all of those things can be a good thing to a degree, don't place so many demands on yourself and those around you to "stay in the race". When we focus on things like how many Christmas parties we will attend, who to buy a present for, what you will actually buy for that person, how many Christmas cards to send (and I LOVE sending cards), and so on and so on. Don't forget to take time for our Redeemer. When we rush around trying to meet all these expectations, the true meaning of Christmas can get lost in all the hustle and bustle. Instead of looking for the perfect gift on the shelf in department stores, seek the perfect gift that is Jesus Christ. He is a gift that will keep on giving.

I have to admit, I have been rather lax in my church attendance this year. No-one but me is to blame. I have read my devotion daily and I can feel the Holy Spirit nudging me at times to not say the first thing that comes to mind (especially when I am feeling stressed). And stress has certainly been a fore front. I place more demands on myself than others do. Rest assured my dear church family, I think of each of you daily and send up a silent prayer that all is well with each of you and that God will keep His loving hand upon each of you and your families. I truly appreciate the kind words of concern when I have seen several of you out and about. It's nice to know others care. I love you all more than words can say.

I finally got all my decorations put up this Thursday (11/29). I was determined I am going to be in the Christmas spirit one way or another. It is working slowly. I absolutely love Christmas. I love watching the faces of people light up when they see a friend they haven't seen in a while. I love the way a child's face beams when sitting on Santa's lap. This is also a time of reflection as I remember those who aren't with us this Christmas. My heart aches, but I know they are in a better place. I cry for those who have friends and/or family members serving in our Armed Forces, knowing they will miss this Christmas with their families. This is also a time of year that we should give back some of which has been so graciously given to us. This need can be reached by participating in the local Cooperative Ministries, giving as God would lead you in giving to missions such as Lottie Moon, or donating to Good Will causes such as American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Harvest Hope Food Bank or even holding the door for someone struggling with groceries and children all at the same time. It can also be something as simple as assisting an older member of our church family in coming to church or helping them with their own Christmas decorations. The thing that you do doesn't matter as much as the time and love that are given when you share a tiny part of yourself during this holiday season (and always).

There are many opportunities in which we can come together and worship during this holiday season. I challenge each of us to remember what it is about. It isn't about who has on the prettiest outfit or who drives the fanciest car. There will be none of that in Heaven. When we come to God's house, it is a body of believers coming together under one roof to sing their praises to the one who makes all things possible. God has richly blessed us in so many ways. And it is for His glory that each thought we think and each word we speak, reflect His love. People can see through our actions. When we aren't genuine, it doesn't go unnoticed. By man or God.

I will stop all my rambling now and move on the ministries we have at our fingertips this holiday season.

First of all, our Student Ministry now has a webpage! If you ever find yourself needing another medical/permission form or flyer for upcoming events, it can be found on the SM website. All info for upcoming events for our children and youth can be found not just here on the main webpage for our church, but also on the SM webpage. This page can be found at www.fbcnsm.blogspot.com. Check it out today!

Speaking of activities for the youth and children: they have several fun events planned for them. The youth will be taking a trip to Riverbanks Zoo on Saturday, Dec. 8th; the children will venture out tonight, Dec. 1st. Youth and children's Christmas parties are as follows:

Youth: Wed., Dec. 12th. Children: Sat., Dec. 15th. For more details on these events, please see our Student Minister or check out the SM webpage.

Sunday evening, Dec. 2nd will be the kickoff for the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. Allow God to lead you in giving to this worthy mission.

The XYZ has a Christmas activity planned for Friday, Dec. 14th. Don't miss the excitement!

The newsletter deadline is Friday, Dec. 14th. Please have all info into the church off by 9am to ensure a spot in the January 2008 newsletter.

As many of you are aware, the youth, children and preschool choirs have been working very hard on their upcoming Christmas program. I always love seeing the children perform. Their spontaneity and zest for life always brings a smile to my face. Their program is entitled, "Bows & Holly". The performance will be held on Sunday, Dec. 16th at 6pm. This musical is designed to remind us to give to others as God has given to us (freely, unselfishly and with loving hearts). On the evening of the play, our children and youth will be hosting a food and toy drive to benefit the Cooperative Ministries of North. Please bring a toy or non-perishable food item to be collected at the end of the performance.

On the evening of Wed., Dec. 19th right after the fellowship meal, folks will gather to go caroling around our community. Come and join in this fun time of music and fellowship. Help bring the news of Christ to those this Christmas season who may not hear of His love by any other means!

The adult choir is also working on their Christmas cantata. It is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 23rd at 6pm. Invite someone to join you to listen to the story of Emmanuel!

There will be a New Year's Celebration Sunday, Dec. 30th at 6pm. There will be a music service along with a covered dish supper, followed by family game night. Invite a friend or family member to join in the fun and fellowship as we bring 2007 to a close.

Office closings: the church office will be closed the following days in observance of Christmas and New Year's. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 24th & 25th along with Dec. 30th & 31st.

Reminder to our deacons: deacons are scheduled to meet Sunday morning, Dec. 2nd at 8am in the conference room.

I hope your Saturday is a blessed one.

Until next time, take care and God bless!

In Christian Love,

Tina :-)