 Comfort and Joy!
Christmas is probably a favorite time of year for many of you. It is for me! There is something about the smell of wood in the fireplace, cookies baking, warm cinnamon, and pine that can bring back special memories. There are familiar carols that make us smile as we realize we know the words and can sing along. We see friends and family that we may not see at any other time of the year and we remember how much we love and are loved. We can recall the sound of wrapping paper, shopping and snow crunching under our feet. Our senses seem to come alive during the holiday season and we rest in the familiarity of tradition. This year, it will be much the same. Carols, cookies, Christmas trees, and lights. There will be words read from the Bible that many of us have almost memorized without even realizing it. One Scripture that is read every year comes from Luke 2:8-14 and says, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sing unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward me.’ “ Read this passage over and over this holiday season. Let the words remind you of the comfort and joy that comes from a relationship with Jesus. Let God speak to you in the comfort of the familiar. It is my prayer that we would also remember that this amazing event—God coming to earth in human flesh—calls us to action. Mary stepped up to the task of Mother, Joseph took Mary and Jesus as his own, the shepherds and wise men went to see and then spread the word, and the angels proclaimed the message of Immanuel! In the comfort and Joy of this season, may we also break out of our comfort zone and proclaim to the world that God is here! Merry Christmas! Rev. Jenni Piatt
0 Comments
 I have heard it asked, “Why should I go to church?” That is a good question and there is a good answer. There are other reasons as well, but my top four reasons have to do with God, you, your family, and others.
First, God has done great things for us. He has given us life and hope for the future. The Sunday church service is only one (1) hour. It is not much to give in return for all he has given us. Second, we all have needs and what better place to have our needs met than with family. The Bible ets us know that the church is the family of God and we are there for one another. You are never alone and the church family is where we can best understand that truth. Third, if you have a family with a busy life, Sunday morning may be the only time that you can spend one hour, relaxed and all focused on the same activity. This s a good time to spend together, regardless of age. Church also gives you something to talk about as the week goes on and it can teach you to pray together. Lastly, others have needs and you can help them. The Bible also tells us that we all have things we are good at and things we need help with. If we all pitch in and help with the things we are good at, all the work is easier. We can all do our part. Coming to church is more than an obligation or just something that we do. It is an opportunity to worship God and hear from God. God wants to have a relationship with YOU and wants to meet you in many ways, including church. Come and also connect with others. Be encouraged. Encourage others. Be part of a viable body. Come and join us this Sunday and bring someone with you! Rev. Jenni Piatt  I have heard it asked, “Why should I go to church?” That is a good question and there is a good answer. There are other reasons as well, but my top four reasons have to do with God, you, your family, and others.
First, God has done great things for us. He has given us life and hope for the future. The Sunday church service is only one (1) hour. It is not much to give in return for all he has given us. Second, we all have needs and what better place to have our needs met than with family. The Bible ets us know that the church is the family of God and we are there for one another. You are never alone and the church family is where we can best understand that truth. Third, if you have a family with a busy life, Sunday morning may be the only time that you can spend one hour, relaxed and all focused on the same activity. This s a good time to spend together, regardless of age. Church also gives you something to talk about as the week goes on and it can teach you to pray together. Lastly, others have needs and you can help them. The Bible also tells us that we all have things we are good at and things we need help with. If we all pitch in and help with the things we are good at, all the work is easier. We can all do our part. Coming to church is more than an obligation or just something that we do. It is an opportunity to worship God and hear from God. God wants to have a relationship with YOU and wants to meet you in many ways, including church. Come and also connect with others. Be encouraged. Encourage others. Be part of a viable body. Come and join us this Sunday and bring someone with you! Rev. Jenni Piatt |
AuthorRev. Susan Hadley Archives
January 2023
Categories |
RSS Feed