Bill’s Bestowals:
“It’s a WONDERful Life!”
“As soon as all the people saw Jesus,
they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.”
(Mark 9:15)
Over Christmas break, Charis and watched a movie: “the Rise of the Guardians” together. For those who may not know, the movie has an interesting plot: Several personalities known for their affection for children – Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sand Man and Jack Frost – form an alliance to protect the children of the world from evil. The particular threat of evil found in the movie happens to be the Boogeyman.
I won’t say any more about the movie’s plot and ruin it for those who haven’t seen it (although I will say that it is fascinating to see Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny act more like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles than the jolly, docile personalities to which we are accustomed). One scene in particular, however, fascinated me. In it, Santa Claus is explaining what personal qualities / characteristics guide him to be the man he is. Words like “jolly” and “caring” were on the list, as one would expect. What I didn’t expect was the quality that he said was at his absolute core. Before I say it, consider for yourself: knowing what you know of Santa Claus lore, what quality would YOU say would be at the core of his personality? Generosity? Compassion? Kindness? Joy? Love?
Regardless of your answer, here is what he said in the movie: “My eyes are full of wonder. That is my center. It is what I was born with; eyes that see the wonder in everything. Eyes that see lights and trees and magic in the air! This wonder is what I put into the world. It is what I protect in children, and it is what makes me a guardian. It is my center. What is at your center?!”
I love that thought: “WONDER” being at the core of Santa’s motivation! And his statement means that he’s not thinking only in terms of passive wonder, like fascination and even appreciation. It means he’s also thinking in terms of active wonder, like “What is the world missing? How can I help provide it?!”
“Wonder” at his core. That certainly puts a new perspective on Santa, doesn’t it?
Interesting: each year, Annette Hays and Linda Murphy – among others – announce a “Word of the Year” for themselves. I recall that Annette’s 2025 word was “Marvel” (a synonym of “Wonder,” of course). What this means: Annette has more in common with Santa Claus than just generous giving and bringing joy to children!
Anyway, I’m going to join Santa and Annette by making “Wonder” my word for 2026. I want to see the wonder in God’s creation (see Psalm 8:3-4). I want to see the wonder in people (see Psalm 8:5). I want to see the wonder of Jesus (see Mark 9:15 above). That’s what makes a wonderful life!
Love, Pastor Bill
P. S.: Today is the Christian holiday known as “epiphany.” One of the things we remember on epiphany is the fact that the wise men saw the star, and had active wonder about it. The outcome?! It led them to Jesus! “O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright; westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.”
Let’s be like the wise men. I wonder what wonders God has in store for us in 2026!?
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PLEASE NOTE: A congregational meeting will be held following worship on Sunday, January 18. Its purpose:
1. To receive our 2025 Annual Reports.
2. To receive the recommendations of the 2025 Nominating Committee regarding elder candidates for the class of 2028, and candidates for the 2026 Nominating Committee.
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January 2026 Calendar:
Text Box: RED: Churchwide Event held at FPC.
BLUE: Event held away from FPC, or holiday.
Sunday: Fellowship Hour at 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School at 9:45 a.m.
Worship at 11 a.m.
Wednesday: LIFT (youth group) at 5 p.m.
Jan. 3: Presbyterian Women’s Meeting – 10 a.m.
Jan. 6: Mission Committee Meeting – 5 p.m.
Jan. 8: Celebration of the life of Beth McMillen, 11 a.m.
Jan. 10: Removal of church Christmas Décor. – 9 a.m.
Jan. 13: Building & Grounds Committee Meeting – 10 a.m.
Jan. 13: Membership & Evangelism Committee Meeting – 5 p.m.
Jan. 18: Congregational meeting following worship.
Jan. 18: Fellowship Potluck Meal following Congregational meeting.
Jan. 19: SFA Committee Meeting – 1 p.m.
Jan. 20: Fellowship Committee Meeting – 1 p.m.
Jan. 22: Session Meeting – 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 23: Roller skating in Poteau! Leaves at 5:30 p.m. Sign up in office or sanctuary.
Jan. 31: Celebration of the life of Bill Stiefer, 11 a.m.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES:
7 – Chuck Schroyer
11 – Mark Batte
11 – Karen Mosier
12 – Judy Ancell
14 – Jeff Pullen
14 – Carl Wood
21 – Abby Langin
22 – Annette Hays
23 – Russell Smith
23 – Isaac Hamilton
24 – Georgia Landry
26 – Serena Loyd
29 – Devin Broyles
SERVING THIS MONTH:
Ushers: Robby Burt & Cindi Hernandez
Communion Preparers: Susan Seitz
Communion Servers: Leon Myers, Garrett Lundberg, Chuck Schroyer
Dora Venable, Earl Harrell
SPECIAL COLLECTION SUNDAYS:
Jan. 4: Personal Care Collection
Jan. 25: Goodland Academy
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TIDBITS:
© Need CANNING SUPPLIES? Come to the church office if so. First come, first serve!
© Our Fellowship Committee is looking for some LARGE POTS. The kind we have are thin aluminum, and they allow soups and gravy to scald way to easily. If you have a thicker, superior pot or Dutch oven that you are willing to part with, please let the church office know!
