Sisters and brothers,
Happy Monday to all! As we continue to move toward the celebration of the birth of Christ, yesterday we thought about the beginning of Christmas. Christmas did not begin in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. It did not begin when God created the heavens and the earth. Christmas began in the very heart of Almighty God before time began. Before time began God planned for the redemption of those who believe. We saw the eternal identity of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus was God the Son who eternally has been. From eternity Jesus is in communion with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus was God the Son who was with God and was God and who created all things. In Jesus is light and life. And Jesus is God the Son who was made flesh and dwelt among us. God did not tell us a way of salvation. Jesus came to us and became fully human to be the Way of salvation. Jesus is fully God and fully man. And today, Jesus still comes to us. Jesus comes to all who will receive Him. Jesus lives in them by His Holy Spirit. Jesus of Nazareth is the very God of eternity who alone can save us from sin.
We will be having a Christmas Eve service at 5:00 PM on December 24.
We are taking up the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions through the end of the month.
Remember to keep praying for each other as we all seek to deal with the struggles of life and follow the Lord more closely.
Celebrate Jesus this Christ as the reason for the season! I want to include a link this week to a wonderful worship song. May it encourage you, as it did me, as you watch it and realize Jesus is truly our Rock and our Redeemer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpELMk4-3n8
Love being your pastor!
Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church