Dear God of All Seasons,
We come to You full of the joy of Thanksgiving and eager to move into the Advent Season. Today is the day shoppers cram into malls and stores hoping for great purchases. Help us with our priorities, Dear God. May our experience of December be one of anticipation and increasing hope. May the joy of the season of Advent not be muddled by frenzy and acquisition. We pray You will forgive us and bless us with patience and compassion. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
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Tomorrow a number of people will be gathering in the sanctuary to prepare for the Hanging of the Greens service on Sunday and decorate. Tall men are invited and encouraged to come and assist, particularly in setting up the large trees. Be there by 10 a.m. Your height and muscle will be greatly appreciated.
Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent with regular morning services, a Service of Remembrance and Hope at 6:00 p.m. in the Parlor, Hanging of the Greens in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m., and our annual Tasting Party in the Fellowship Hall after the Hanging of the Greens. Invite your friends. These are wonderful times in the life of the church.
The will NOT be a Saturday service tomorrow evening.
Since today is Black Friday I thought it appropriate to include the following link about Christmas and the celebration of Christmas.
There are good links down the left side of the page.
The scripture for today is Philippians 4:10-20:
I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress. You Philippians indeed know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you alone. For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs more than once. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that accumulates to your account. I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
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