Dear Church Family,
We are in the heart of our Advent season, and so far, it has been glorious! Last Sunday’s Christmas concert was a night that we all have carried with us all week. I am anticipating a great day of worship on Christmas Eve. But I am writing you about this Sunday, the day that may be the most important of them all.
Sunday morning we will “Come to the Manger.” This expression of worship is the time that we give our gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. In the middle of our service, after hearing a charge from our own Kathy Daniel, you will be invited to join with others and make your way to the front of the sanctuary to place your offering in the manger. Symbolically, we will be giving the offering to Jesus so that the gospel can be shared throughout the world. Frankly, I think this may be the most important few minutes in our church’s annual calendar.
In preparation for this day, I invite you to spend the next few days in fervent prayer. Think of the lost in Islamic countries like Turkey. Pray that they will cease praying to Mohammad and only worship the one true and Living God. Pray that the gospel will be shared in the distant countries of West Africa and Eastern Europe. Pray that the densely populated countries of China and India will hear the gospel and that millions will be saved. As we pray this way, we will be ready to give, above and beyond, to meet our goal of $80,000.
Remember the annual challenge that I always give to you. As you think of the most expensive gift you will purchase for a loved one this Christmas, consider giving a gift a bit more valuable to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. What a rightful and praiseworthy challenge. No gift could ever compare to infinitely valuable gospel of Christ! Let’s see the gospel carried to the ends of the earth and let’s lock arms, partner together, and give of our lives for this eternal endeavor!
I love you deeply! Merry Christmas!
Pastor Jeff
