Prayer for Today, Sunday, December 12

God of Wonders,

This is the season of wonder. The lights, the decorations, the Christmas trees and wreaths, all bring a sense of eager anticipation, regardless of one’s age. May the hope that comes to us through Jesus the Christ be our focus. May the joy of Christmas fill our hearts, particularly as we choose to set aside time to worship You as the family of faith. Please be present to us in a special way this day as we bring our praise and thanksgiving to You. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
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Today is the choir cantata and the children’s program. Bring a friend to both the morning and evening experiences.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Isaiah 52:7-10:
These verses take me back to some of my favorite times as a teenager, my days at the beautiful mountains of Camp Monte Vista. As a freshman I was told by the older members of my youth group at Stillwater First Christian that the experience would change my life forever… Little did I know how right they were. Upon arriving that first night, after the usual van/bus trouble, (I don’t remember which it was that year, yet another fond memory for another time), we arrived in the dark of night and my friend Beth took me by the hand a lead me to the volleyball court. While standing in the middle of the mountains in Monte Vista National Forest I looked up into the heavens and felt God saying “Yes it is I.” At that moment I felt a peace that is still present when I take the time to remember that moment. All of this is God’s wondrous creation! As a teen my joy was going to camp worshiping together with the community that I still am in contact with through the wonders of FaceBook.
How life changes, now my greatest joy is the wonderful sounds of my two amazing daughters. I see God through them every day in their squeals and songs of joy. I hear them play, dance, and sing the songs they learned from VBS or in Kids Time and know that God is present. These are the moments we are to seek our comfort in. Does God’s heart bursts with joy when we as a congregation lift our voices in praise and worship of Him as mine does as I hear my children’s voices? This is what we are called to do, take a moment and sing one of your favorite songs of praise. Make God’s heart burst with joy this Advent season.
Sonya Waldrip