"For God so loved the world that He gave His one & only Son," (John 3:16) As you celebrate Christmas this year, with family & friends, & as you exchange gifts with each other, don't lose sight of the greatest gift of all, God's only begotten Son Jesus Christ. Don't lose sight of the love God has shown us. Don't lose sight of what you're actually celebrating!

"Jesus is the gift that perfectly fits every heart and it is with His love that all celebration starts. We rejoice in Him as we remember His birth and thank God for sending His only Son to earth. His life led from a manger to a cross on a hill where He faithfully followed His Father’s perfect will. He freely laid down everything so that we could live, and there is no greater treasure anyone could give. Like a scarlet ribbon His love wrapped around the cross and He offered it to us all at the greatest cost. So each time that we give we remember what He’s done and honor the perfect Gift —God’s one and only Son." Holley Gerth

Wishing you a peaceful & joyous Christmas, & every blessing for the new year! "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" 2 Cor 9:15

Your words have power!

Never underestimate the power your words have.

Never underestimate how deep they can go into peoples lives.

Never underestimate the potential for your words to hurt or to heal!

Every time you open your mouth to speak, quickly think;

"Is what I'm about to say going to hurt or heal?"

Proverbs 12:18 "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

Sadly, Christmas often seems to be a time when family get together's turn sour, & hurtful things are said in the heat of the moment.

So be aware of what you are saying & how you are saying it!

You have the potential to calm & heal, or to enrage & hurt!

May God grant each of us the wisdom we need as we speak.

Pastor Steve

Remember those who suffer!

As we prepare to celebrate this Christmas season in peace, & with freedom, we need to remember that many Christians around the world do not have that luxury.

Recently Franklin Graham wrote this as part of a regular article.

Remember Those Who Are Persecuted
The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is under attack. Around the world, in dozens of countries, believers are being relentlessly oppressed, beaten and even martyred for their Christian faith. The World Evangelical Alliance estimates that more than 200 million believers suffer some form of ongoing persecution. Of course, we know that followers of our Lord Jesus Christ should expect opposition. Jesus said: “‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:20, NIV). Whether the source of persecution is false religions, godless societies or hostile cultures, the Church has long been the target of vilification and violence.
( Franklin Graham)

Can I encourage you to pray for our brothers & sisters around the world,
who are suffering for the name of Christ this Christmas.
Pray that God will strengthen them to stand strong,
& that He will grant them his peace that passes all human understanding!

"and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counsellor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6b