Vance Havner once
said, “Christmas is based on an exchange
of gifts; the gift of God to man, his Son; and the gift of man to God, when we
first give ourselves to God.” As we prepare our hearts and minds for Advent
season, let us ponder the precious gift that God has given to us – the gift of
Himself. Christmas is all about the mysterious, marvelous miracle of the
Incarnation – God leaving the glories of heaven and coming to earth wrapped in
human flesh. He came as Emmanuel (God
with us), fully God and fully man in order that we might be rescued from our
sins, and clothed in His righteousness. As we receive by faith, the wonderful
gift of God’s salvation, we simultaneously give ourselves to glorifying Him and
growing His kingdom on earth. What a wonderful gift He has given to us in His
Son, and what a wonderful privilege we’ve been given to give the gift of
ourselves!
I look forward to entering
into the Advent season together as a church family. It’s a privilege to
celebrate the glorious Incarnation and salvation we have in Christ, and to reflect
upon the magnanimous task of “Loving God.
Loving Others. Making Disciples.” The Christmas message is wrapped up in the
Great Commandment and Great Commission – God, who is love, has come down to
demonstrate His love to us by going to a cross (Romans 5:8). He also came down
to teach us how to love others. Loving others involves verbally sharing the
gospel and intentionally living out the gospel before them.
As Christmas draws
near, let us be ready and willing to share the true meaning and message of
Christmas. Let us also be ready and willing to give of our resources. There are
several ways to give this Christmas season:
- Tithes
and Offerings – let us continue to give faithfully to the
work of ministry at Green Hill. God has given so much to us, so let us be
faithful in giving all that we can to furthering His kingdom on earth.
- Lottie
Moon Christmas Offering - every penny collected goes to
support the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth. Our church-wide goal
this year is $4,000.
- Missions
Tree – you simply take a stocking from the tree in
the church lobby and fulfill the need it represents.
- Finlay
Park Homeless Ministry – items may be dropped off at the
church office.
- BC
#1 Grammar School Backpack Ministry – weekly food bags
go to meet the nutritional needs of students.
It is an honor to
serve as your pastor. It is a privilege and responsibility before the Father
that I do not take lightly. I pray God’s blessings on you and your family in
celebrating the birth of our Savior this year. Merry Christmas!
Serving Together,
Pastor Brett
