Sisters and brothers,
Happy Monday to all! Yesterday, the second Sunday of Advent, we focused on the theme of peace. We sang that God provides “peace on earth” to all who will receive it in Jesus. Then from John 1, we learned Christmas was born in the eternal heart of God. Before time began, God planned for our redemption. God planned that Jesus, God the Son, would step into history and provide for us salvation and peace. Jesus Christ declares who the living God is and what God is really like. Jesus of Nazareth is the very God of eternity who can save us from our sin and give us eternal peace.
Carla and I attended the Madison Symphony Orchestra Christmas concert last Friday. All through the concert, the songs that were played and sung proclaimed the good news of the Gospel. People in this season through the wonderful carols and celebrations are being bombarded with gospel truth even though most do not realize it. I just want to encourage all of us to take advantage of this time of year by talking to people about the true meaning of Christmas. Also, invite people to worship with you. Give them a special invitation to come to our Christmas Eve service. Many people would come to worship, especially at this time of year, if a friend invited them.
We will have an all-church Christmas party this Friday, December 13, at 6:00 PM. We will gather at the church building and then carpool to Connie Boss’ apartment building in Sun Prairie to carol. After we carol, we will then come back to the church building for snacks and games.
Our Christmas Eve service will be held at 5:00 PM on Christmas Eve. On December 29, we will only have a worship service at our regular time of 10:45 AM. There will be no Bible Study on that morning.
Remember to keep praying continually for each other. None of us know fully the burdens our brothers and sisters in Christ might be carrying.
Love being your pastor!
Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church