Bill’s Bestowals:
“The Heart of God”
“… for to YOU has been born a Savior, and He is Christ the Lord.”
(Luke 2:11)
Have you ever noticed at Christmas that there are some people who just cannot keep a secret? They get so excited about what they’re going to give that they cannot keep quiet about it?
Even I have my moments. As a father I have occasionally gotten something for one of my kids that I just can’t wait to give them because I know they will love it so very much! I practically have to sew my lips shut to keep from giving it away!
But I think the Christmas story gives us the best example of this kind of thinking! At Christmas God had an INCREDIBLE gift to give to humankind, but had to send Jesus in an obscure way. See, the world was expecting one kind of Messiah: one who would come in power and glory. Jesus was going to be a different kind of Messiah – a suffering, servant kind of Messiah – so he had to come in secret.
But sometimes I think God was just so excited that He thought: “I have to tell somebody!” So he tells Joseph and Mary, but then He thinks: “I can’t wait! I’ve got to tell somebody else! I know! I’ll tell those shepherds down there!”
You can picture Heaven saying: “Well, all right, but keep it subtle.”
God is so excited that He says: “OK. You … angel, go on down and tell the shepherds! So the angel goes down and says, “I bring you Good News of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)
And this gets God all the more excited, so He says, “This kind of presentation just isn’t big enough for news like THIS! All right … all of you angels! You and you and you and you! Go down to join him!” And we hear, “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:13-14)
I believe that there is inside of God a heart that is so full of excitement and love that He just can’t keep a secret. Of course, God’s great excitement is to tell you that one day, in your life, that day will come when you will understand that: “… for to YOU has been born a Savior, and this is Christ the Lord.” It’s Good News for you! On the day each of us understands that and responds to it, God is so excited!
May your life – in this holiday season – excite the heart of God!
Love, Pastor Bill
December 2021 Calendar:
Sunday: Worship at 11 a.m.
Thursday: Grief Share at 10 a.m. in the parlor.
Dec. 2: Worship Meeting at 12:30 p.m.
Dec. 4: Christmas Caroling 4 p.m.
Dec. 5: Congregational Meeting post-worship
to elect Elders (class of 2024) & 2022 Nominating Committee
Dec. 7: Mission Committee Meeting 5 p.m.
Dec. 12: Christmas Play
Dec. 13: Stewardship & Finance Meeting at 1 p.m.
Dec. 14: Grief Share “Surviving The Holidays” Event, 6 p.m.
Dec. 15: Session Meeting 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 18: Wedding shower for Audrey Woodcock and Jason Myers, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Dec. 19: Service of Ordination and Installation
Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Service, 6 p.m.
Dec. 28: Building & Grounds Meeting at 10 a.m.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES:
6 – Charis Seitz 22-Patience Taranto
11 – Wes Stiefer II 23 – Hailee Pullen
15 – Niles Smith 25 – Garrett Lundberg
17 -Jimmy Murphy 26 – Delta Reed
19- William McCombs 28 – David Spurgin
SERVING THIS MONTH:
Ushers: Chuck Schroyer & David Spurgin
Communion Preparer: Delta Reed & Brenda Tate
Communion Servers: Chuck Schroyer, David Spurgin, Judy Thompson
Annette Hays, Leon Myers, William Edwards II
SPECIAL COLLECTION SUNDAYS:
December 5: Personal Care Collection
December 26: Goodland Academy
