Dear Church Family,
“Christmas Joy” is our theme this year as we enter this Advent season, so I got to thinking about the Joy I have received in my walk with Christ. The gift of Salvation, He has given to me. So what gift can I give to Him to bring Him joy?
We spend a lot of time and effort in giving gifts. Isn’t it a joy when we find just the right gift for them?
Then there’s that one person who is just impossible to buy for, that someone who already has everything. This is how it is with our God. Acts 17:25 says that He doesn’t need anything at all.
Don’t be discouraged. God’s sufficiency is a blessing! We do not need to earn His love. He doesn’t expect repayment for His free gift of salvation through Christ. Honestly, it’s so valuable that even if we wanted to repay Him, we just couldn’t. The Psalmist describes His unfailing love as “priceless” in Psalm 36:7.
So what do; you get for God who has everything? If God had a gift registry, here are some things he does definitely include, that would bring Him “Christmas Joy!” 1. Your Love-Mark 12:33 2. Your Life-Romans 12:1 3. Humility-Psalm 51:17 4. Praise-Psalm 14:1&2 5. Righteousness-Proverbs 21:3 6. Mercy-Matthew 9:13 7. Good Works-Ephesians 2:10 8. Generosity- Hebrews 12:16 9. Obedience-2 John 1:6 And that’s just the beginning! Here is my challenge for you. If you want to give God real “Christmas Joy,” search God’s word for yourself, and then live a life that will make God smile and say, “It’s just what I wanted!”
WARNING!!! If you take up my challenge, you will not only bring God “Christmas Joy,” but you will receive it yourself!
In His Service,
Pastor Joe
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sunday School – 8:15 AM in the Community Building
Choir Practice Every Thursday at 1:00pm
Evening Bible Study – Postponed Until Further Notice
You may reach Pastor Joe at 570-465-7303 or his cell #570-267-4570
Every Thursday Pastor Joe will be at the church from 2-4pm if you need him
Sunday, December 1st – First Sunday in Advent
Sunday, December 8th – Second Sunday in Advent
Thursday, December 12th – Presbyterian Women Christmas Luncheon 11am in the Comm. Bldg.
Sunday, December 15th – Third Sunday in Advent
Wednesday, December 18th – Session Meeting – 9am
Saturday, December 21st – First Day of Winter
Sunday, December 22nd – Fourth Sunday in Advent
Tuesday, December 24th – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – 7pm
Wednesday, December 25th – Merry Christmas!!!
Tuesday, December 31st – New Years Eve / Watch Night!
Wednesday, January 1st – Happy New Year!!!
Noel Giving – For local missions will begin December 1st until Christmas Eve.
Friday, December 6th – Advancing Watchwomen Christmas Celebration at North Jackson Methodist Church from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
Tuesday, December 10th – Ladies Christmas Tea at Torrey Lodge, Montrose from 11am to 1pm.
Prayer Shawls – If anyone knows of someone in need of a prayer shawl, please let Carolyn White know. Nine (9) shawls were given this year.
Presbyterian Women are collecting empty plastic medicine or vitamin bottles that will be sent to South Africa for individual receiving medication at health centers. Many times that have no containers for their medications. Please wash and remove all labels. Please give to Linda Rood, or there is a basket in the vestibule.
Men’s Action Group ***For help with small projects for church family and neighborhood, please call Pastor Joe Travis at #570-465-7303 or email him at joetravis@live.com