Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ and children of God,

We have heard the old Bing Crosby, or Perry Como, or the modern version of “It’s Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas” by Michael Buble.  Is it looking like Christmas? Take a look around you. Some of you perhaps have a tree up, some decorations inside and outside the house, and even presents under the tree. As you drive around town perhaps you hear Christmas songs playing in your car or even in the stores. There might even be some who are experiencing snow, but those of us in Las Vegas, well it is a bit warm. Maybe too warm to feel like Christmas. So I ask you again, is it beginning to look or feel like Christmas?

Christmas can be a very difficult time for some people, and Christmas, for some, isn’t what it used to be. It has become hard to feel Christmas or see Christmas as we or they once saw it. It is truly another example of how time has changed things. I believe that many of us seek to find the feeling of Christmas, like we once had and what our surroundings, such as lights, carols, friends and family once brought us. Are you like that? Searching for Christmas?

Christmas is not a feeling. Christmas is not about our surroundings. In the time that the Gift from heaven came, a mother bore a child in the midst of chaos, in a place where animals were kept. A father, chosen by God bore witness to the miracle and searched for a place where his wife could birth the child. There were no lights flashing, or trees decorated, or carols sung. It was a mother, a husband, animals, and a child.

Do not try and search for Christmas, but search for Christ the newborn King. He is the heart of what we call Christmas. He did not come to set right the scholars of the Word. He did not come to teach the Word to those who did not know it or know God. He did not come to heal the broken. Yes he did all those things. However, that baby boy, whom Mary gave birth to, was the great I AM, who came to die for you and me, as a sacrifice for all the sins we have done. 

It does not look like Christmas until you come and look at the face of Christ and tell Him that you want Him in your heart. He is the Heart of Christmas. So, as you listen to your Christmas songs and hear “It’s Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas” also listen for “The Heart of Christmas” and remember that Christ is Emmanuel, God with us.

Last week the little lambs learned about the story of Christmas. We read from Matthew of the reason Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem and the shepherds who came to see the new baby King. This week the teens will join us, or should I say we will join the teens as we celebrate Christmas with a fun party, New Day style.

Just a reminder, the little lambs worship upstairs in Children’s Church. You may drop off your child at 9:45. Check in is required by parent or guardian, so if you keep your child in worship with you, then you will need to bring them upstairs to check them in when you are ready. Please remember to pick up your little lamb shortly after the service so those who are serving in children’s ministry may have time to fellowship.

Also, there will be a Christmas Eve candlelight and communion service with carols, to celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The service will be from 5pm-6pm in our new building located at 3455 Cliff Shadows, 89129. Our Pastor’s wife, Gail will be sharing the message, and you don’t want to miss it.

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

God bless you,

Your brother in Christ

Michael (aka Mr. Michael)

Children’s Leadership

New Day Christian Church

3455 Cliff Shadows, 89129