The King Brings Salvation
The Gift That Costs Nothing: A Reflection on Christmas and Surrender
Merry Christmas, dear friends! As we gather in this beautiful season of joy and reflection, I want to take a moment to share some thoughts that have been stirring in my heart. This past week has been a vibrant one at our church, filled with the laughter and excitement of our children during the Christmas programs at ABC Academy. If you haven’t had the chance to witness the joy of these performances, I highly recommend it! It’s a reminder of the pure joy that comes from community and celebration.
As we approach Christmas Eve, I invite you to join us for our candle lighting service at 5:30 PM. It’s a time to come together, sing songs, and reflect on the true meaning of this season. There’s something incredibly special about closing out the evening with “Silent Night” by candlelight, a moment that truly encapsulates the peace and hope that Christmas brings.
In the spirit of giving, I want to share an exciting initiative that has emerged from our community. Recently, I learned about a program called Bite to Go, which provides meals to students who might otherwise go hungry over the weekends. It’s a heart-wrenching reality that some children in our community face, and it’s a call to action for us as a church. Starting in January, we will be partnering with other local churches to bring this program to Monument Elementary. This is not just a one-time effort; we envision it as an ongoing commitment to support the most vulnerable among us—our children. If you feel led to contribute, please mark your giving for the school food programs. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these children.
Now, let’s turn our hearts to the true gift of this season—the gift of Jesus. As we reflect on the Advent series, “The King Has Come,” we are reminded that this King brings a gift that costs nothing but offers everything. In Matthew 1, we read about the miraculous birth of Jesus, who came to save us from our sins. This gift is freely given, yet it requires something from us: surrender.
Consider Joseph, who faced a life-altering decision when he learned of Mary’s pregnancy. His plans for a conventional life were turned upside down, and he had to surrender his expectations and desires to follow God’s call. This act of surrender is a model for us. It’s a reminder that while receiving the gift of salvation is free, it requires us to lay down our pride and control.
As we ponder the magnitude of God’s love, we must also reflect on what it cost Jesus. Philippians 2 tells us that He, being in very nature God, humbled Himself and became obedient to death on a cross. This is the true cost of love—the ultimate sacrifice for our salvation.
So, as we celebrate this Christmas, I encourage you to open your hands in surrender. Let go of the burdens you carry, the plans you cling to, and the control you desire. With open hands, you can receive the peace, hope, and joy that Jesus offers.
Let’s remember that the King has come, and He has come for you and me. This Christmas, may we embrace the gift that lasts forever and share that love with those around us. I look forward to seeing you on Christmas Eve as we celebrate together.
Blessings to you all, and may your hearts be filled with the joy of the season!
Merry Christmas, dear friends! As we gather in this beautiful season of joy and reflection, I want to take a moment to share some thoughts that have been stirring in my heart. This past week has been a vibrant one at our church, filled with the laughter and excitement of our children during the Christmas programs at ABC Academy. If you haven’t had the chance to witness the joy of these performances, I highly recommend it! It’s a reminder of the pure joy that comes from community and celebration.
As we approach Christmas Eve, I invite you to join us for our candle lighting service at 5:30 PM. It’s a time to come together, sing songs, and reflect on the true meaning of this season. There’s something incredibly special about closing out the evening with “Silent Night” by candlelight, a moment that truly encapsulates the peace and hope that Christmas brings.
In the spirit of giving, I want to share an exciting initiative that has emerged from our community. Recently, I learned about a program called Bite to Go, which provides meals to students who might otherwise go hungry over the weekends. It’s a heart-wrenching reality that some children in our community face, and it’s a call to action for us as a church. Starting in January, we will be partnering with other local churches to bring this program to Monument Elementary. This is not just a one-time effort; we envision it as an ongoing commitment to support the most vulnerable among us—our children. If you feel led to contribute, please mark your giving for the school food programs. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these children.
Now, let’s turn our hearts to the true gift of this season—the gift of Jesus. As we reflect on the Advent series, “The King Has Come,” we are reminded that this King brings a gift that costs nothing but offers everything. In Matthew 1, we read about the miraculous birth of Jesus, who came to save us from our sins. This gift is freely given, yet it requires something from us: surrender.
Consider Joseph, who faced a life-altering decision when he learned of Mary’s pregnancy. His plans for a conventional life were turned upside down, and he had to surrender his expectations and desires to follow God’s call. This act of surrender is a model for us. It’s a reminder that while receiving the gift of salvation is free, it requires us to lay down our pride and control.
As we ponder the magnitude of God’s love, we must also reflect on what it cost Jesus. Philippians 2 tells us that He, being in very nature God, humbled Himself and became obedient to death on a cross. This is the true cost of love—the ultimate sacrifice for our salvation.
So, as we celebrate this Christmas, I encourage you to open your hands in surrender. Let go of the burdens you carry, the plans you cling to, and the control you desire. With open hands, you can receive the peace, hope, and joy that Jesus offers.
Let’s remember that the King has come, and He has come for you and me. This Christmas, may we embrace the gift that lasts forever and share that love with those around us. I look forward to seeing you on Christmas Eve as we celebrate together.
Blessings to you all, and may your hearts be filled with the joy of the season!
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