GLENDA
Good Morning:
It's time to say "Happy New Year" once again. New Year is the most ancient of all holidays. It was the Romans who first used January 1 as the beginning of the new year in 153 BC. Symbolically, New Year signifies a renewal of life--discarding the old and worn out in exchange for a chance to revamp, rejuvenate, and start all over.
Today is an ending. An ending to the year 2012. It could be an ending for those things in your life which are holding you back from having all the good things God thinks you deserve. Today would be a good day to think about those things, turn them over to God, and ask him to help you throw them away. Let tomorrow be the start of a brand new you. That's possible when you start your New Year with God at your side. Happy New Year!! Happy New You!!!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
JIM CAIN
“Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there. 1 Samuel 1:28
Have you ever wanted something so bad, you would do almost anything to see it happen? Hannah did. She was barren and getting older every year while her husband's other wife was having kids and rubbing it in her face. God heard her prayers and graciously gave her a son. But, what did Hannah do with that great treasure? She gave him back to the Lord, allowing him to be raised in the temple, set apart for service to him. Think about what you have been asking God for. Are you ready to give it back? Is that why you haven't received it yet? Remember, after Hannah gave her son to the Lord, he blessed her with more.
Everything we have comes from the Father, so we should follow Hannah's example by giving it all back for his use and glory. We'll be glad we did!
“Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there. 1 Samuel 1:28
Have you ever wanted something so bad, you would do almost anything to see it happen? Hannah did. She was barren and getting older every year while her husband's other wife was having kids and rubbing it in her face. God heard her prayers and graciously gave her a son. But, what did Hannah do with that great treasure? She gave him back to the Lord, allowing him to be raised in the temple, set apart for service to him. Think about what you have been asking God for. Are you ready to give it back? Is that why you haven't received it yet? Remember, after Hannah gave her son to the Lord, he blessed her with more.
Everything we have comes from the Father, so we should follow Hannah's example by giving it all back for his use and glory. We'll be glad we did!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
GLENDA
Good Morning:
Did you hear the story about the man who went on a fishing trip, but caught 4 deer instead? It's a wonderful story of how God works in mysterious ways. True story...a man in Sitka, Alaska, had a fishing charter boat that he took out one day. Well out into the water, he saw 4 deer swimming towards the boat. Unusual, because a deer's natural instinct is go away from human contact. As he got closer to the deer, he realized they were in distress. He lowered the tailgate on his boat, and all 4 deer came aboard and collapsed exhausted on the deck.
Back on shore, he opened the tailgate and the first deer bounded off, stopped, turned and looked back as if to say thank you and then fled into the woods. With a little coaxing the next two left the boat and the last one had to be carried ashore. To me, God's hand was at work, placing that boat at just the right time and place to save those deer and to take away the deer's natural distrust of humans. A fine example of God taking care of his creations. He will take care of you, too. Just trust Him.
Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning:
Did you hear the story about the man who went on a fishing trip, but caught 4 deer instead? It's a wonderful story of how God works in mysterious ways. True story...a man in Sitka, Alaska, had a fishing charter boat that he took out one day. Well out into the water, he saw 4 deer swimming towards the boat. Unusual, because a deer's natural instinct is go away from human contact. As he got closer to the deer, he realized they were in distress. He lowered the tailgate on his boat, and all 4 deer came aboard and collapsed exhausted on the deck.
Back on shore, he opened the tailgate and the first deer bounded off, stopped, turned and looked back as if to say thank you and then fled into the woods. With a little coaxing the next two left the boat and the last one had to be carried ashore. To me, God's hand was at work, placing that boat at just the right time and place to save those deer and to take away the deer's natural distrust of humans. A fine example of God taking care of his creations. He will take care of you, too. Just trust Him.
Have a wonderful day!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
JIM WALL
Good Morning!
There were three crosses on Calvary's hill. On one was a man dying in sin - he did not accept Jesus. On another was a man dying to sin - he trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior. And on the middle cross was One dying for sin. He could die for others because He was God's Son and had no sin of His own. The center cross made all the difference for those two men hanging beside Jesus - the difference between an eternal hell and an eternal heaven.
The whole world is represented by those two thieves and their responses to the Lord Jesus. We should look in faith to the One in heaven who once hung on the middle cross. And may our response and prayer be: “Lord, remember me.”
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
BOB PEDEN
Merry Christmas! What a glorious day this is. You are perhaps surrounded this morning by bright tinsel, twinkling lights, a beautiful crèche, and the remains of wrapping paper from presents opened last night or first thing this morning. All is well, but I would encourage you to remember that the first Christmas was not nearly so beautiful or exciting. Sure, a choir of angels sang, but the only ones to hear, were a small group of smelly sheep farmers, sleeping on the ground.
The only ones with gifts to bring were foreigners - star-gazers - tired and confused after a long, long journey.
The only place for this newborn to sleep was in a feeding trough, and yet, this one born in such destitution did not seek gain for himself. Rather, he humbled himself to lift up the poor, the blind, the lost, the sinner. He even gave his life for such unworthy ones; and he calls us to do the same. How will you celebrate this kind of King today?
Merry Christmas! What a glorious day this is. You are perhaps surrounded this morning by bright tinsel, twinkling lights, a beautiful crèche, and the remains of wrapping paper from presents opened last night or first thing this morning. All is well, but I would encourage you to remember that the first Christmas was not nearly so beautiful or exciting. Sure, a choir of angels sang, but the only ones to hear, were a small group of smelly sheep farmers, sleeping on the ground.
The only ones with gifts to bring were foreigners - star-gazers - tired and confused after a long, long journey.
The only place for this newborn to sleep was in a feeding trough, and yet, this one born in such destitution did not seek gain for himself. Rather, he humbled himself to lift up the poor, the blind, the lost, the sinner. He even gave his life for such unworthy ones; and he calls us to do the same. How will you celebrate this kind of King today?
Monday, December 24, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
BOB RAMBO
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
Today is Christmas Eve. MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your loved ones! Many of you will gather at places of worship to observe and celebrate this day in some way.
But if your congregation doesn't have an opportunity for Christmas Eve worship, or if you don't have a faith community you participate in here in Meridian, then I invite you to join us today at Central.
At 1:00, 3:00, and 5:00 this afternoon, we offer 3 services of Holy Communion. We'll sing Christmas carols, hear the Christmas story from Scripture, have a brief message of hope and joy, and gather around God's table for Holy Communion. The best times to come are at 1:00 and 3:00.
We invite you to join us today at Central as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus!
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
Today is Christmas Eve. MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your loved ones! Many of you will gather at places of worship to observe and celebrate this day in some way.
But if your congregation doesn't have an opportunity for Christmas Eve worship, or if you don't have a faith community you participate in here in Meridian, then I invite you to join us today at Central.
At 1:00, 3:00, and 5:00 this afternoon, we offer 3 services of Holy Communion. We'll sing Christmas carols, hear the Christmas story from Scripture, have a brief message of hope and joy, and gather around God's table for Holy Communion. The best times to come are at 1:00 and 3:00.
We invite you to join us today at Central as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
JIM CAIN
Good Morning!
On this day in 1957, while spending the Christmas Holidays at Graceland, his home in TN, rock-and-roll star, Elvis Presley, receives his draft notice for the U.S. Army. Though fans sent thousands of letters to the army asking for him to be spared, Elvis would have none of it. He was sworn in as an army private in Memphis on March 24, 1958.
After basic training, Elvis served in Friedberg, Germany, where an army buddy of Presley's introduced him to a young girl named Priscilla, whom Elvis would marry some years later. Ironically, the once despised singer was now seen as a model for all young Americans. After he got his polio shot from an army doctor on national television, vaccine rates among the American population shot from 2 percent to 85 % by the time of his discharge.
Thousands of years ago, another young man received a government notice. One that decreed he was to return to his birth place and register with the census. He too was accompanied by a young girl on his journey, but her name was not Priscilla, it was Mary.
By being obedient to the edict of King Herod, Joseph and Mary would play their part as role models in the birth of a king. No, not the king of rock and roll, but the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Good Morning!
On this day in 1957, while spending the Christmas Holidays at Graceland, his home in TN, rock-and-roll star, Elvis Presley, receives his draft notice for the U.S. Army. Though fans sent thousands of letters to the army asking for him to be spared, Elvis would have none of it. He was sworn in as an army private in Memphis on March 24, 1958.
After basic training, Elvis served in Friedberg, Germany, where an army buddy of Presley's introduced him to a young girl named Priscilla, whom Elvis would marry some years later. Ironically, the once despised singer was now seen as a model for all young Americans. After he got his polio shot from an army doctor on national television, vaccine rates among the American population shot from 2 percent to 85 % by the time of his discharge.
Thousands of years ago, another young man received a government notice. One that decreed he was to return to his birth place and register with the census. He too was accompanied by a young girl on his journey, but her name was not Priscilla, it was Mary.
By being obedient to the edict of King Herod, Joseph and Mary would play their part as role models in the birth of a king. No, not the king of rock and roll, but the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
GLENDA
Good Morning:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders; and his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Isaiah said those words approximately 750 years before the birth of Christ. That prophecy came true, and the birth of that child is the reason we celebrate Christmas each year. Christmas is not just a holiday. It is a holy day. Without Christ, we wouldn't have the promise of eternal life. Without Christ, our sins wouldn't be forgiven. Without Christ there would be no hope. Without Christ, we wouldn't have this holiday. Remember that as you celebrate Christmas this year. Merry Christmas to you all.
Good Morning:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders; and his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Isaiah said those words approximately 750 years before the birth of Christ. That prophecy came true, and the birth of that child is the reason we celebrate Christmas each year. Christmas is not just a holiday. It is a holy day. Without Christ, we wouldn't have the promise of eternal life. Without Christ, our sins wouldn't be forgiven. Without Christ there would be no hope. Without Christ, we wouldn't have this holiday. Remember that as you celebrate Christmas this year. Merry Christmas to you all.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
BOB RAMBO
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
One week from today is Christmas. For many of us, that means gathering in warm homes around tables brimming with food surrounded by loving family and friends and stacks of beautifully-wrapped gifts waiting to be opened.
But for many others, that's NOT the way Christmas will be. For some, this time of year is lonelier than any other because of the absence of loved ones. Others face a bleak holiday, because they are unemployed or under-employed. Still others already worry that after the Christmas gifts are open, the Christmas bills will be due.
Today, take a moment to remember that Christmas is about God's gift of love in Jesus. And because God has loved us, today, if you are blessed, find a way to share your blessing with someone less fortunate.
Make this a GREAT day!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
BOB PEDEN
Jesus said, “The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life." "Gushing fountains of endless life" really captures Jesus' message here. It corresponds with "River of Life" and "living water" in other places in John's writings. The Spirit is a living gift -- dynamic and powerful, not static and lifeless. While we may not get the full drink of this blessing now, the life we receive and the hope the Spirit gives and the assurance of sharing in the great blessings with the Father forever are more than anything in this life.
Remember these words: "never thirst ... artesian spring ... gushing fountains ... endless life." This is what the Holy Spirit means to us. This is what the Spirit of the Living God brings to our lives. This is the hope and power that the Spirit of Christ brings to us and makes alive in us!
Jesus said, “The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life." "Gushing fountains of endless life" really captures Jesus' message here. It corresponds with "River of Life" and "living water" in other places in John's writings. The Spirit is a living gift -- dynamic and powerful, not static and lifeless. While we may not get the full drink of this blessing now, the life we receive and the hope the Spirit gives and the assurance of sharing in the great blessings with the Father forever are more than anything in this life.
Remember these words: "never thirst ... artesian spring ... gushing fountains ... endless life." This is what the Holy Spirit means to us. This is what the Spirit of the Living God brings to our lives. This is the hope and power that the Spirit of Christ brings to us and makes alive in us!
Friday, December 14, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
JIM CAIN
What does Christmas Mean to me?
It's bright lights, and candles, a trip to the Christmas tree farm
It's hot coca -marshmallows and a fire crackling in the fireplace.
Christmas is a church choir
The phone ringing and one of my boys asking, “is it all right if I charge momma's present to you.”
It means passing cars with Christmas packages up in the windows as families go visiting
It's kissing kinfolks, some you want to kiss and some you don't
Christmas just means so much to me
Plenty of goodies laying around the house-
It's the utter pandemonium that is Wal-Mart on Christmas Eve and the peace of the still quiet house once all the young'uns are finally in bed
It's working with Wesley House, the Advent Fair, Stop Hunger Now, Christmas at the Cain's, the Christmas Eve Candlelight Services, and all the other things we do at Central Methodist
It's my boys coming home and asking, “Daddy can we do Operation Shoebox can we do it daddy, can we?”
Christmas is the expression on my boys' faces as they filled those boxes with stuff their money bought, put the lid on them, and sent them off
What's Christmas? It's helping other people know the love of Christ, that's the Spirit of Christmas
My it's great to be a Christian at Christmas time!
What does Christmas Mean to me?
It's bright lights, and candles, a trip to the Christmas tree farm
It's hot coca -marshmallows and a fire crackling in the fireplace.
Christmas is a church choir
The phone ringing and one of my boys asking, “is it all right if I charge momma's present to you.”
It means passing cars with Christmas packages up in the windows as families go visiting
It's kissing kinfolks, some you want to kiss and some you don't
Christmas just means so much to me
Plenty of goodies laying around the house-
It's the utter pandemonium that is Wal-Mart on Christmas Eve and the peace of the still quiet house once all the young'uns are finally in bed
It's working with Wesley House, the Advent Fair, Stop Hunger Now, Christmas at the Cain's, the Christmas Eve Candlelight Services, and all the other things we do at Central Methodist
It's my boys coming home and asking, “Daddy can we do Operation Shoebox can we do it daddy, can we?”
Christmas is the expression on my boys' faces as they filled those boxes with stuff their money bought, put the lid on them, and sent them off
What's Christmas? It's helping other people know the love of Christ, that's the Spirit of Christmas
My it's great to be a Christian at Christmas time!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
OWEN
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, Associate Pastor at Central!
Most of us are familiar with the story of David and Goliath; how a towering warrior is defeated by a mere boy. It can remind us of the value of courage. But we can easily overlook David doing the seemingly impossible: defeating a great warrior with just a slingshot. In the end, David didn't win, because he had the better weapons or was the best warrior; his efforts weren't enough to win the day. He won, because it was God's will.
How often do we want to see people treat us better? But when we don't get what we want, we don't let God change things; we try to do it ourselves. We wield anger and manipulate to get what we want. We are trained to think that is the right way to get things done. But that is more Goliath than David. Anger and manipulation anytime something doesn't go our way is to not trust God. To trust God means even when what we want doesn't immediately happen, we treat someone with sincere kindness and will let God change what is needed. And we let God turn our meekness into strength.
May God bless you!
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, Associate Pastor at Central!
Most of us are familiar with the story of David and Goliath; how a towering warrior is defeated by a mere boy. It can remind us of the value of courage. But we can easily overlook David doing the seemingly impossible: defeating a great warrior with just a slingshot. In the end, David didn't win, because he had the better weapons or was the best warrior; his efforts weren't enough to win the day. He won, because it was God's will.
How often do we want to see people treat us better? But when we don't get what we want, we don't let God change things; we try to do it ourselves. We wield anger and manipulate to get what we want. We are trained to think that is the right way to get things done. But that is more Goliath than David. Anger and manipulation anytime something doesn't go our way is to not trust God. To trust God means even when what we want doesn't immediately happen, we treat someone with sincere kindness and will let God change what is needed. And we let God turn our meekness into strength.
May God bless you!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
GLENDA
Good Morning:
Today is 12/12/12. Did you know that the number 12 is mentioned 187 times in the Bible? For instance, there were 12 Patriarchs from Shem (son of Noah) to Jacob. From Jacob, came the 12 tribes of Israel.
In the New Testament, Jesus first appeared to the public at the age of 12. He had 12 Disciples during his adult ministry. The New Jerusalem described in the book of Revelations has 12 gates of Pearl with 12 angels at the gates. The wall of the city has 12 foundations of precious stones with the name of the 12 apostles on them. In other words, the number 12 symbolizes perfection.
So, I am going to see today as a perfect day. After all, this is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it! I hope you will, too.
Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning:
Today is 12/12/12. Did you know that the number 12 is mentioned 187 times in the Bible? For instance, there were 12 Patriarchs from Shem (son of Noah) to Jacob. From Jacob, came the 12 tribes of Israel.
In the New Testament, Jesus first appeared to the public at the age of 12. He had 12 Disciples during his adult ministry. The New Jerusalem described in the book of Revelations has 12 gates of Pearl with 12 angels at the gates. The wall of the city has 12 foundations of precious stones with the name of the 12 apostles on them. In other words, the number 12 symbolizes perfection.
So, I am going to see today as a perfect day. After all, this is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it! I hope you will, too.
Have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
SABRINA
Tis the season. Shopping for gifts for the person who has everything, Christmas Cards forgotten, grocery shopping! If you have little ones in your home, your list is even longer!!! The excitement of Christmas morning, what Santa will bring, all this permeates the air. In the hustle and bustle of these last few days, don't forget to take the time with your children and yourself to focus on the real reason we celebrate this season.
Over 2000 years ago, there was the hustle and bustle of life, with no one realizing the gift that was quietly being given to us. We have the privilege of KNOWING this gift.
During the days ahead, as families begin to come together, take time to worship, thanking God for the gift of His Son, your family, and all of our many blessing! Merry Christmas and have a blessed day!
Tis the season. Shopping for gifts for the person who has everything, Christmas Cards forgotten, grocery shopping! If you have little ones in your home, your list is even longer!!! The excitement of Christmas morning, what Santa will bring, all this permeates the air. In the hustle and bustle of these last few days, don't forget to take the time with your children and yourself to focus on the real reason we celebrate this season.
Over 2000 years ago, there was the hustle and bustle of life, with no one realizing the gift that was quietly being given to us. We have the privilege of KNOWING this gift.
During the days ahead, as families begin to come together, take time to worship, thanking God for the gift of His Son, your family, and all of our many blessing! Merry Christmas and have a blessed day!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
JIM WALL
Good Morning!
A bored student at the University of Washington used an Internet auction site to sell his soul to the highest bidder. As it turned out, the top offer was only $400.
Since the soul is immaterial, it can't be extracted from a body like a physical organ such as a heart. The student had to admit, “I don't think the high bidder is going to be able to collect on my soul.”
That lighthearted offer calls to mind our Savior's serious question in Matthew 16:26, “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” As He challenged His listeners to think about a future day of judgment, Jesus said that the whole world fades in comparison to the valve of a soul. Jesus died on the cross to pay the price to redeem us. How much do you think you are worth to God?
Good Morning!
A bored student at the University of Washington used an Internet auction site to sell his soul to the highest bidder. As it turned out, the top offer was only $400.
Since the soul is immaterial, it can't be extracted from a body like a physical organ such as a heart. The student had to admit, “I don't think the high bidder is going to be able to collect on my soul.”
That lighthearted offer calls to mind our Savior's serious question in Matthew 16:26, “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” As He challenged His listeners to think about a future day of judgment, Jesus said that the whole world fades in comparison to the valve of a soul. Jesus died on the cross to pay the price to redeem us. How much do you think you are worth to God?
Friday, December 7, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
BOB PEDEN
What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to enjoy some wonderful Christmas music. At Central United Methodist Church, on Sunday, December 9th, we will be doing just that; and you are invited. At 8:30, members of our praise band will be singing and playing some of the finest contemporary Christmas music from the Trans-Siberian Light Orchestra and other contemporary Christian Artists.
At 10:55 our Sanctuary Choir will present a beautiful worship service of lessons and carols. Then at 6 o'clock that evening, Central will present a beautiful drama and ballet written by Helen Mortimer, a British dance instructor, in 1942 following the death of her son, Robert. It has been performed in St Paul's Cathedral and Albert Royal Hall in London and is being brought to Meridian by Caroline Carns.
Join us a Central United Methodist Church for a marvelous day of Christmas celebrations.
What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to enjoy some wonderful Christmas music. At Central United Methodist Church, on Sunday, December 9th, we will be doing just that; and you are invited. At 8:30, members of our praise band will be singing and playing some of the finest contemporary Christmas music from the Trans-Siberian Light Orchestra and other contemporary Christian Artists.
At 10:55 our Sanctuary Choir will present a beautiful worship service of lessons and carols. Then at 6 o'clock that evening, Central will present a beautiful drama and ballet written by Helen Mortimer, a British dance instructor, in 1942 following the death of her son, Robert. It has been performed in St Paul's Cathedral and Albert Royal Hall in London and is being brought to Meridian by Caroline Carns.
Join us a Central United Methodist Church for a marvelous day of Christmas celebrations.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
JIM WALL
Good Morning!
You have probably seen some examples of angry impatience - a co-worker cursing and throwing tools around or a driver fuming while having to wait an extra thirty seconds in traffic. All of us need to learn more patience.
Being patient doesn't mean standing around all day. You were designed to be active to think up solutions, to do your best to make things happen. But some things take time no matter how hard you push. Sometimes you just need to pace yourself.
Trusting God is a large part of being patient. You have to trust that god is going to make things work out. You have to trust that given time, wisdom, and direction, a solution will be found.
In Psalms we read, “Be still and know that I am God.” So have faith and patience.
Good Morning!
You have probably seen some examples of angry impatience - a co-worker cursing and throwing tools around or a driver fuming while having to wait an extra thirty seconds in traffic. All of us need to learn more patience.
Being patient doesn't mean standing around all day. You were designed to be active to think up solutions, to do your best to make things happen. But some things take time no matter how hard you push. Sometimes you just need to pace yourself.
Trusting God is a large part of being patient. You have to trust that god is going to make things work out. You have to trust that given time, wisdom, and direction, a solution will be found.
In Psalms we read, “Be still and know that I am God.” So have faith and patience.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
SABRINA
We all hate to wait..whether it be at a stop light, in line at the store, or for someone to answer a door. We are just impatient.
While the world waited for years for Jesus' birth, we have this time of Advent to wait and prepare for the celebration of our Lord and Savior. All the while remembering, that because of that birth, over two thousand years ago, our world forever changed.
Close your eyes for a moment. Take a deep breath. Thank God for the many, many blessings He has bestowed upon you.
Then as you continue through your day, waiting in the long lines, in the traffic, remember this is a time of joyful anticipation of a birth that was foretold to a people desperate for hope and salvation. Is it really any different today? Paraphrasing the angels message to the shepherds - “For unto you, was born a Savior, Christ the Lord”. Go in peace.
We all hate to wait..whether it be at a stop light, in line at the store, or for someone to answer a door. We are just impatient.
While the world waited for years for Jesus' birth, we have this time of Advent to wait and prepare for the celebration of our Lord and Savior. All the while remembering, that because of that birth, over two thousand years ago, our world forever changed.
Close your eyes for a moment. Take a deep breath. Thank God for the many, many blessings He has bestowed upon you.
Then as you continue through your day, waiting in the long lines, in the traffic, remember this is a time of joyful anticipation of a birth that was foretold to a people desperate for hope and salvation. Is it really any different today? Paraphrasing the angels message to the shepherds - “For unto you, was born a Savior, Christ the Lord”. Go in peace.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
JIM CAIN
The "Million Dollar Quartet" is the name given to recordings made on Tuesday December 4, 1956 in the Sun Record Studios in Memphis. The recordings were of an impromptu jam session among music greats Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. It was arguably the first super-group in the history of American Music.
When the tracks were released, Cash's distinct voice is absent from the recordings. Music historians feel that Cash had come by the Sun Studios to collect on money owed him and that after receiving it; he left to go shopping for the upcoming Christmas holiday. Sadly, it is that way with many of us today. We spend so much time cleaning, cooking, shopping, and preparing for the arrival of Christmas, that when the day finally arrives we are too tired or distracted to enjoy the moment. Jesus, himself, once told Mary and Martha that they should spend time with Him rather than the things of this world that would always be here.
So during this Christmas season take a moment away from wrapping gifts, sit down with a refreshing cup of hot chocolate, pick up the Bible and reconnect with the source of the holiday. The packages will still be there when you return, I promise.
The "Million Dollar Quartet" is the name given to recordings made on Tuesday December 4, 1956 in the Sun Record Studios in Memphis. The recordings were of an impromptu jam session among music greats Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. It was arguably the first super-group in the history of American Music.
When the tracks were released, Cash's distinct voice is absent from the recordings. Music historians feel that Cash had come by the Sun Studios to collect on money owed him and that after receiving it; he left to go shopping for the upcoming Christmas holiday. Sadly, it is that way with many of us today. We spend so much time cleaning, cooking, shopping, and preparing for the arrival of Christmas, that when the day finally arrives we are too tired or distracted to enjoy the moment. Jesus, himself, once told Mary and Martha that they should spend time with Him rather than the things of this world that would always be here.
So during this Christmas season take a moment away from wrapping gifts, sit down with a refreshing cup of hot chocolate, pick up the Bible and reconnect with the source of the holiday. The packages will still be there when you return, I promise.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Monday, December 3, 2012
OWEN
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, Associate Pastor at Central!
As we approach the Christmas season, many of us will be entering a season of celebration as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. And it is a very joyous time, indeed, but we often times overlook the hardships of other people in this season. In the ever popular Christmas season movie “It's a Wonderful Life,” George Bailey considers ending his life on Christmas Eve. While the story ends up with a happy ending, all too often, people who are left to feel lonely or worthless during the seasons; many people do not have family or friends to celebrate with, and many people feel insufficient; because they do not have the money to purchase gifts for others.
Be sure to remember the needy in this season! You do not have to give extraordinary accommodations or gifts. When Jesus was born, he was placed in a manger... a place where animals were fed, of all places. Simply your presence and a basic meal can go a long ways to showing Christ's love to others. May God bless you!
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, Associate Pastor at Central!
As we approach the Christmas season, many of us will be entering a season of celebration as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. And it is a very joyous time, indeed, but we often times overlook the hardships of other people in this season. In the ever popular Christmas season movie “It's a Wonderful Life,” George Bailey considers ending his life on Christmas Eve. While the story ends up with a happy ending, all too often, people who are left to feel lonely or worthless during the seasons; many people do not have family or friends to celebrate with, and many people feel insufficient; because they do not have the money to purchase gifts for others.
Be sure to remember the needy in this season! You do not have to give extraordinary accommodations or gifts. When Jesus was born, he was placed in a manger... a place where animals were fed, of all places. Simply your presence and a basic meal can go a long ways to showing Christ's love to others. May God bless you!
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