One Who is the Living Water,
On this, the 23rd of December, we stand before You expectantly. We have been here many times before, but each Christmas brings the hope for new possibilities in our life, in our church and in our world. Help us, O God, to embrace this hope. Forgive our short sightedness, our penchant for criticism, our inflexibility. May Your Spirit, which was experienced through the Anointed One whose birth we celebrate, cleanse us and fill our hearts to overflowing this Christmas. In His name we pray, AMEN.
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I received the following email form Lana Ellis:
Rev. McLemore
My Aunt Shirley Haskins has passed away. She had been ill a long time. Our youngest son had been over to visit her and we just found out this evening (Tuesday) she had passed away. Our son was the last one, as far as we can tell, to see or talk to her since Sunday. Please keep her and our family in our daily prayers and concern list. Thank you......
Blessings, Lana
Please pray for Lana and the family of Shirley Haskins.
Gayle Healy called the church yesterday to tell us that her mother, Beverly Brant, died at Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma
City during an unsuccessful surgery to repair a ruptured colon. We are all shocked and grieved. Beverly funeral will be Monday, December 27th at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. Don Johnson will officiate. Please pray for Bill and their children.
Kenneth Petersen called yesterday to say that Joan Petersen had been readmitted to St. Mary’s hospital. Please pray for Joan and Kenneth.
Davida Whitsett is still hospitalized at St. Mary’s. I misspoke yesterday. Please continue to pray for Davida.
Tomorrow evening we will have two Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Services, one at 7:00 p.m. and one at 11:00 p.m. The choir is singing at 7:00 p.m. and the children will present the Christmas story. Butch Phillips is organizing the 11:00 p.m. service with Brian Meyer preaching and the carols being lead by guitar. Both services will be beautiful and meaningful. Plan to attend.
Remember, the church office is closed tomorrow.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Luke 2:1-17:
Sometimes we wonder who is in control in today's world. I am sure Joseph was wondering that too. The Roman's ruled the civilized world in those times. Joseph had no choice but to comply with the Roman order to make a long trip just to pay taxes. And Mary, his fiancée had to go with him even though she was about to give birth. Because both were descendants of David they traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
By the decree of Caesar Augustus, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the very town that Micah the prophet had said, even though his parents were not from there. And the Old Testament is filled with prophecies that the Messiah would be born in David's royal line. Augustus's decree went out in God's perfect timing and according to His plan to bring His Son into the world.
Prayer: Dear God, as we approach this celebration of your Son's precious birth, help us to remember you are always in charge. Help us to live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to you, and a positive example to those whom we are able to witness to. Thank you God for this Christmas season and the opportunity of worship you during this wonderful time of the year, and most of all, for the greatest gift of all, your Son, Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Beth and Scott Tefft
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