Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ and children of God,

Holly smokes, Batman. Twelve more days til Christmas. I think only a select few will get my holly joke, but that only dates my age. Regardless, Christmas is quickly approaching.  Are you ready? Do you have all your gifts, or have you not started shopping? How is the decorating going, and are you sending out Christmas cards this year? How is work, or family? Don’t you just love the hustle and bustle of the season? Do you ever come across those Cranks, Grinches, or Scrooges and want to yell “Bah! Humbug.”? Perhaps your holidays are very pleasant and smooth, but for some, it is not so great of a season. Where is the joy? Where is the peace in all the chaos of Christmas?

The year was around 700-680 BC, and a prophet foretold of a king who would come and save the people. Of course, many of that time felt this savior would be saving the people of Jerusalem from its enemies. People would talk for centuries of this savior king, but would continue to wait for over 700 years. That is a long time to wait for peace and joy.

Appointed by the Roman Senate, Herod the Great became the ruler of Judea and ruled over Bethlehem and Jerusalem. When he heard there was a new king born, he wanted to secure his throne by killing boys who were two years or younger. Many lost their children in this senseless act. Two years before this evil act, a woman, who was pregnant, traveled with her husband to the town of Bethlehem. During this long journey, the child she was carrying was knocking on the door of her womb with a desire to meet the world that desired to meet him, but had no idea the journey that was ahead for this world that was filled with chaos and sin.

Her husband found a stable for them to stay the night, and on that night, she had a child. It was not long, and shepherds came to see this child. After they saw him, they ran out into the night, spreading the good news of their encounter with an angel and the baby whom they saw (Luke 2:17-20). And all were amazed.

In a time of crises, turmoil, uncertainty, and helplessness, and much fear, came hope, peace, and joy. He was the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He was the Word in the flesh (John 1:14). Jesus, the Messiah, was the bundle of joy who came to save us all. 

We still have chaos today, and we still deal with fear and hopelessness.  Jesus did not come to end those things here on earth but to bring salvation to those who choose salvation. He is the only way to true joy beyond the world of flesh. The enemy comes to rob you of the joy, but it is Christ who restores the joy and will supply the joy when you connect with Him. He was given the name Prince of Peace because He can give peace along with joy if we set aside all that surrounds us and surround ourselves with Christ, who came, who died, and who lives again for you and me. May you find joy through this season.

Last week, the little lambs learned about the prophecies of the coming child, who would one day save us all. Not only did the prophecies tell how the child would come (Isaiah 7:14), but also where (Micah 5:2). The prophecies even gave the child a name (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6). This week, we will be discussing the birth of Christ and the joy he brought the people of that time, and the joy he brings now.

We are so very excited and happy with the new building. However, with the change of the building comes other changes. The little lambs will be able to come to children’s church for worship instead of worshiping in the sanctuary. You are welcome to drop your child off at 9:45, but not before then. You will need to check the child in at the nursery or the Sunday school room, and then, after the service, come and check your child out. We cannot release them without a parent or guardian checking them out. You are welcome to keep your child in the sanctuary for worship, but you will need to check your child in when you decide to bring them to Sunday school. Children over the age of four will not be allowed in the nursery. We appreciate your understanding, and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow. If for some reason I do not see you, may the Lord bless you with peace, happiness and joy, and may He comfort you, heal you, and guide you when you need it.

God bless you,

Your brother in Christ

Michael (aka Mr. Michael)