A FEW WORDS FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2009
IT’S RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER
By Pastor Richard Todd
Christians have referred to the 4 weeks before Christmas as ADVENT SEASON for more than a thousand years. Advent season is used as a time of thoughtful preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth. I would encourage you to consider this tradition of organizing your personal and family schedule in a special way during this season as an important part of your Christmas celebration. Set aside a special time each day or periodically for reading the Scripture, praying, singing carols and perhaps even lighting an advent candle. The beauty of observing the days before Christmas is the opportunity it gives to reflect on all the many spiritual joys of the season. It is a special time of unity, celebration, and worship as we focus on the coming of Christ and the joy He brings. We will be taking a few moments in each of our worship services prior to Christmas to celebrate the birth of Christ in a meaningful way.
The Twelve Rules of Christmas is a list of guidelines for Christians as we enter this Christmas season. It is published by the Rutherford Institute which is a group of lawyers who encourage Christians to enjoy sharing their faith without fear of intimidation. Pick up your copy at the Information Center today.
The new issue of our youth newsletter is hot off the press today. Pick up your copy at the Information Center in the lobby.
Our young people were at the Los Angeles rescue mission Thanksgiving morning BEFORE MOST OF YOU AROSE. They went there to help with the serving of Thanksgiving meals to the many who come to the mission for the day (I hear more than 20 of were there).
Our lives are like a kernel of wheat falling to the ground in the late autumn sun…at least that’s how Jesus explained his death and our following him. Things have to die before they can live (John 12:20-25). So I asked you, DOES ANYTHING NEEDD TO BE PUT TO DEATH IN YOUR LIFE TODAY? And that’s my SERMONRECAP.
REMEMBER: The 56th annual Whittier Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 12th (fun day).
REMEMBER: Today is your final day to order Sees Candy from one of our young people (all the profits go to the Whittier Pregnancy Care Clinic).
REMEMBER: Sign up at the Information Center for the Church Christmas party on Sunday evening, December 13.
Finding my place in the history of grace,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
WHEN A CHILD IS BORN SO IS A GRANDPARENT
This isn’t really a quote because I saw it on a Christmas tree ornament our family was given the other day by one of you. But I liked it.
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