Celebrate the True Joy of Christmas

Christmas is a time for festive décor, bountiful feasts, family gatherings, joyful worship, and compassionate acts of caring. Although we enjoy many of the popular songs and stories of Christmas, the true spirit of the season comes from biblical stories that have been preserved and passed on to us across many generations, stories about the greatest gift ever given.

To celebrate the true joy of Christmas, many members of our First Baptist Family have been involved in projects of caring and sharing during the holidays. Whether at work, at church, or at school, all generations have been engaged in missions and ministries through Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan Hands, our Global Missions Offering, our Homeless Dinner, White Christmas, Angel Food Ministries, our Allie Yniestra Partnership, and numerous other local projects.

This Sunday we will meet for Bible study at 8:45. Our combined service of worship begins at ten o’clock in the sanctuary. The Choir of the Ages will lead us in music. Our pre-schoolers and children will enjoy a Children’s Christmas Feature. And Paul Hood-Patterson will share a message on Expectations from Micah 5:2-5. You are encouraged to dress casually in the colors of Christmas.

On Thursday evening December 24, we will meet at five o’clock for our annual service of Candles and Carols. As we celebrate the true joy of Christmas, invite a friend or neighbor to join you as we gather to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Throughout Advent we have been reminded that “joy gives me strength.” My prayer is that the joy of knowing and following Christ will re-energize each of us and prepare us to embrace the unique challenges and opportunities of 2010.

On behalf of our entire team of ministers, we wish for you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!