Christmas in the Heart
“I will put my love in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people.”
Jeremiah 31:33 NIV
What does it mean to celebrate Christmas all year long? Are we talking about leaving the tree and decorations up until the holiday season comes around again? Of course not. It means saving the best of what you receive this year, holding it close, cherishing it. And relishing the best of what you’ve given away. It means keeping the best of Christmas tucked away in your heart, where it can influence your thoughts and your actions throughout the year.
As you remove the decorations from the tree this year, think about attitudes that make those ornaments so special—special memories of loved ones who are no longer with you, happy times spent with family, joy and thanksgiving for blessings received. Store the ornaments in a box to be place on the shelf, but store the memories in your heart where you can touch them every day.
When it’s time to drag the tree out to the curb or put it back in its box, remind yourself that its green branches symbolized God’s never-ending love for you. Though the symbol perishes, God’s love never will.
Now as you restore your rooms of your home to their usual post-holiday beauty, whisper a prayer of thanksgiving, dear friend, for all God has done for you and those you love.
One more thing: To remind yourself that Christmas is stored in your heart, choose one ornament to remain on display throughout the year—perhaps a nativity, an angel, or a star to remind you to continue giving to others and receiving from God throughout the coming year.
“From Living Christmas Every Day: A Keepsake Devotional Featuring the Inspirational Poetry of Helen Steiner Rice, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission”
Announcements
Sunday School – 8:30 AM in the Community Building
Choir Practice Every Wednesday at 4:00pm
You may reach Pastor Joe at 570-465-7303 or his cell #570-267-4570
Wednesday, January 1st – HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Monday, January 6th – Epiphany
Saturday, January 18th – Family Supper in the Community Building, 5:30 PM
Sunday, January 26th – Session meeting after worship service.
Tuesday, January 28th – Newsletter Deadline
Pastor Joe will be coming to choir practice on Wed. afternoons and stay afterward for anyone who would like to meet with him. It would be best to call or e-mail to make arrangements.
Past and present Elders are needed to be Worship Leaders to do the Welcome, Announcements and Call to Worship. Please see Joyce to sign up. Also Liturgists are needed – Bill will be circulating – be ready!!!
Prayer Shawl Ministry – We have several shawls ready. If anyone knows of anyone in need of one, please let Carolyn White know.
Loose Change Offerings
1st Sunday – Local Emergency/Deacon’s Fund
2nd Sunday – Local Emergency/Deacon’s
3rd Sunday – Kenya/Rev. Malaho
4th Sunday – Building Maintenance
5th Sunday – Habitat for Humanity (whenever there is a 5th Sunday)
Pastor Marilyn and Ray would love to hear from you during the winter months. The address is:
5201 W. Camelback Rd. Lot B 31, Phoenix, AZ 85031, The phone is 607-222-8261 and the e-mail address is: barnardms82@gmail.com