This year will be my wife, Pastor Janie and my ninth year celebrating Christmas with the First Congregational Church of Freedom. This will be our final Christmas services with them as we are being called by our Lord into retirement at the end of the year. Please join us on December 23 at 6:30 pm for the Candlelight Service.
I would like to offer each of you an opportunity to focus on what is really important in your life, and to consider how to deal with it.
The holidays are here and they can be wonderful, challenging or even depressing. How are you viewing and coping with them?
An economist was asked to talk to a group of business people about the recession. She tacked up a big sheet of white paper. Then she made a black spot on the paper with her pencil and asked a man in the front row what he saw. The man replied promptly, “A black spot.”
The speaker asked every person the same question, and each replied, “A black spot.”
With calm and deliberate emphasis the speaker said: “Yes, there is a little black spot, but none of you mentioned the big sheet of white paper. And that’s my speech.”
Often we are so absorbed and focused on our own problems that we can’t see beyond them. All we see is a black spot or grey areas and we miss the joy of the season, and opportunities to share the gift of friendship with those around us.
December is a time to recognize and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
As we enter into the Advent season, it can be a time of quiet reflection and spiritual preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Jesus was born to die on a cross for the sins of all who would believe in Him. His resurrection provided the way for eternal life with God in heaven. He also provides for those who believe a peace on earth while we await His return.
However you observe the Christmas season, focus on what helps you to recognize and appreciate the time-honored traditions of the holiday season, traditions that bring home the meaning of everlasting love and life.
Merry Christmas
Pastor Jim Melick
