Prayer for Today, Thursday, December 16

O One who is Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer,

Our souls cry out to You. We strip ourselves of all pretenses as we humbly offer this prayer. We pray You will mend the brokenness of our lives with the balm of Your love. Strengthen our resolve to be faithful followers of Your son, Jesus the Christ. As we embrace the joy and wonder of the Advent season, may we be watchful and expectant, always aware that You are in our midst. May we see in others the very image of You, the God who dwells with us. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
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Please continue to pray for our sick, hospitalized and grieving. The holidays are always difficult times. May God’s peace dwell with them.

Carolyn’s sister is still hospitalized in Oklahoma City and undergoing further tests and treatments.

The Kids Central Board meets this evening at 5:00 p.m. in the Conference Room.

The Stewardship Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. in the Library.

Through the amazing generosity of two families we will have a third screen in the chapel so the worship leaders at the 8:00 a.m. service and the R & R Band members can see what is projected to the congregation. It should be ready to go by this Saturday.

There will be special congregational meetings at all three Sunday morning services of worship. We will be asked to approve a replacement Elder, Junior Deacons and the 2011 Budget.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Advent Devotion for Today. Please read John 1:19-34:
John the Baptist was preparing the way for the Messiah—John the Baptist baptized with water, because it was for repentance and symbolized the washing away of sins. Jesus, baptized with the Holy Spirit. He would send the Holy Spirit upon believers, empowering them to live and to teach the message of salvation.

John the Baptist’s job was to point people to Jesus. Today, people are looking for someone to give them security in an insecure world. Our job as Christians is to point them to Christ, and to show that he is the one whom they seek. The more time we spend getting to know Christ, the more we will understand and appreciate who he is.

Father,
We thank you for your love and grace for the gift of salvation, and all we have to do is accept you. May we remember Jesus’ birth is the most wonderful gift you could ever receive.


Blessings and Merry Christmas to all!
Lana Ellis