It has been four weeks since we began our preparation for Christmas morn. For these days we have focused on the Christian qualities of hope, peace, joy and love to remind us of what God offers to each of us through His gift, Jesus Christ. Grace has heard the Christmas story through music. Our church choir led us through the rendering of God's epic battle to bring peace on earth with those whom He favors (Luke 2.14). The children's choir took us beyond the Christmas facts and asked the question, "How will God's gift make a difference in the way that I live?" What a challenge. The Board of Christian Education distributed free copies of The Secret Place to allow everyone the opportunity to focus on developing our relationship with God. (In fact, we had to order The Secret Place three different times before we had enough for everyone!)

     Recently, as I was standing in a holiday shopping line, I found that this preparation had paid off. As I moved to the check out area, the clerk looked at me and queried, "Are you ready for Christmas?" Without hesitation I said, "Yes I am!" Am I done with my shopping you might ask? I am sure that was the intent of the checker's enquiry. No, in fact the reality is that I still have not started my Christmas shopping for gifts for my family. Do I have the Christmas wrap and ribbon ready to go? No; sadly Lauren and I discovered the complete lack of such supplies as Lauren tried to wrap her prayer sister's Christmas gift. Do I have all the decorations up and the tree ready to go? Yes, actually I do have that much accomplished. But what is really ready is my heart; I am awed again of the immortal, invisible, transcendent becoming human, touchable and available. "Yes, I am ready!"

     So let me ask you the same question: "Are you ready for Christmas?" Celebrate Jesus this year. Remember that we have Christmas Eve services at 5:00pm and 11:00pm and that Christmas Day is Sunday.

     See you Sunday,

  Pastor Dave

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