Brothers and sisters,
Happy Monday to all! Yesterday our emphasis in worship was joy. We sang “Joy to the Word! The Lord is come.” All accounts of the birth of Jesus have joy as a central theme. The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary describes joy as a “state of delight and wellbeing that results from knowing and serving God….Joy is the fruit of a right relation with God.” Joy is closely connected to happiness, but more than happiness. We can have joy even at times in our lives when we might be experiencing pain or grief. Joy is connected to Jesus. Whenever Jesus is present there is joy. Joy is found in the presence of Jesus as we bow before Him as our King and Savior. Joy is found in the presence of Jesus as we realize He is near us. Joy is found in the presence of Jesus as He works through us to bring salvation to the world. Joy is found in the presence of Jesus as we recognize Christ the Lord is the Savior of the world. The presence of the Jesus the Savior brings ultimate joy.Look to Jesus and find true and ultimate joy today.
East Madison Baptist Church will have a Christmas Eve service at 5:00 PM and a Christmas Day service at 10:00 AM. Our New Year’s Day service will be at 10:45 PM. There will be no Bible Study on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.
During the month of December, we will be taking up the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions. Lottie Moon offering envelopes and prayer guides are on the table in the back of the sanctuary by the offering box.
Remember to keep praying continually for each other.
Love being your pastor!
Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church