I'm speaking in the First Baptist Church School Giving Tree program in the morning. It is always a moving experience to see all the children bring gifts for other kids in need. They bring them in and leave them under the tree in the Sanctuary until teachers take them to go under trees of new owners. In the years that I've spoken, I haven't referred to Shel Silverstein's book, but will allude to it tomorrow. I'm sure you've read it, but the video below is a great way to have someone else read it to you.
Love is displayed throughout the pages of the texts for worship this Sunday. As we light the Advent candle of love this Sunday and as we hear the words of a prophet, a psalmist, a mother, and an author so captivated by Jesus to leave off his (or her) name, we have the great opportunity to feel very loved. I use “opportunity” purposefully here, as love is always just that and never forced upon us. On Sunday, we will have the opportunity to take the wondrous love of God through the beautiful Christmas music as well as in exploring Scripture together. What a great Sunday for you to attend and for you to bring a co-worker or neighbor.
The texts this week: Micah 5:2-5, Psalm 80:1-7, Luke 1:39-55, Hebrews 10:5-10
This is all for next week, though. As you read this, you are still in the third week of Advent focusing in on the keyword “Joy.” Due to planning for this article as well as worship planning, I have found myself rushing ahead into weeks in advance and not being fully present in the emphasis on joy this week. What about you? Anything you are rushing ahead on? Not fully present in the now of this week? It is so easy to be so focused on planning for next week’s Christmas events that you miss the beauty and joy of preparation. How about taking some time today to reflect on the joy of Jesus’ entrance into our world?
I'm writing two sermons for this morning, one for our school's Giving Tree service on Friday morning and the other for Sunday's service. Both sermons will focus on Mary and her Magnificat. As a Baptist, it is always a learning curve to study and preach on Mary. I am reminded at this time each year, though, of what a tremendous instrument of God she was. She was right in saying, "Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed."
Americans' views of the honesty and ethics of clergypersons has dropped to a three-decade low, according to the latest Gallup poll.
via www.abpnews.com
Our church has focused on one of our phrases from Advent Conspiracy this year: Worship Fully. We have had some great opportunities to do this corporately this season, with more to come. But, each of us can, and need to, worship throughout the rest of the week. Below is a wonderful online Advent devotional that can be done each day.
Any literary project reflects the age in which it is written. The Voice is created for and by a church in great transition. Throughout the body of Christ, extensive discussions are ongoing about a variety of issues including style of worship, how we separate culture from our theology, and what is essential truth. At the center of this discussion is the role of Scripture.
I just downloaded the Kindle version of The Voice, which is for free. I'm starting to think of some possibilities with this.
I'm waiting for Jack at the rehearsal for tomorrow's Best Christmas Pageant Ever. It will be performed at 5:30 tomorrow in our Sanctuary at 5:30. Jack is Claude Herdsman.
I took this with my trusty iPhone the other day at church. As I walked by it, I couldn't help but feel followed by this pair of eyes. You definetely don't want it flying near your nose. Any guesses?