From the Pastor's Desk

Dear Church,

All of us I’m sure have Christmas traditions. The key is to keep Christ central in our celebration of Christmas.

Gary Chapman wrote a book entitled “The 5 love languages.” In that book he describes ways people communicate their love toward one another. He lists, “Words of Affirmation, Quality time, Receiving gifts, Acts of Service and Physical Touch” as the 5 love languages.

I see them as the elements of our tradition. During this season we speak words of affirmation to one another. We take off from our normal labors to spend quality time  together. We give and receive gifts. Many do acts of service to show they care. We share a meal together. We hug our family and friends. In all we are expressing our love one toward another. If only we could carry that spirit throughout the year.

Many will miss the mark by shopping too much and spending all their energy on the wrong things. That’s a   tragedy. Because if we leave Christ our of Christmas, then, we have done our family and friends a disservice.

Let’s remember the mystery of God becoming a man and ponder the love of God who gave us the best gift of all, salvation through Jesus Christ. Enjoy your family, enjoy the traditions and enjoy the sheer wonder of the Christ child who was born to die in order to save mankind from their sins.

One of the greatest things we do as a church is to present that story in “The Live Nativity”.

My family and I would like to wish your family a Very Merry Christmas.

Serving the Savior,

Pastor Mike