What will the New Year bring about for you and me? That’s a huge question looming in the minds of many people as we get ready to turn the page on the calendar and begin a brand new year. Many people have thumbed through the pages of the old calendar and have come to the conclusion that it has not been a good year. They are hoping and praying that the new year will be better. They do not necessarily want fireworks to welcome them into each new day or some exotic destination to be the order of the day for the upcoming year, but it sure would be nice to have less heartache, less uncertainty, and more peace and security. They would like to know what’s in store for 2004?
Archive for December, 2003
What’s In Store For 2004?
Joshua 24:14-15
Sunday, December 28th, 2003
The Christmas Gift: Everlasting Father
Isaiah 9:1-7
Sunday, December 21st, 2003
There are few things as constant as change. Have you thought about it? Take just a moment and think about what has changed since last Christmas. Some of us are working different jobs than we were working at this time last year. For some of us, we have had a child leave home that was living with us last Christmas. I have friends who were married last Christmas, but who are now divorced. I have other friends who were not married at this time last year, but now they are married. There are couples who have welcomed children into their homes during the past twelve months. I know of other people who have attended a funeral for one of their kids since last Christmas. There are folks among us who will struggle through this Christmas celebration as loved ones are now absent who were such a strong and comforting presence last Christmas.
The Gift of Christmas: Mighty God
Isaiah 9:1-7
Sunday, December 7th, 2003
There is a heaviness hanging like a cloud over many hearts this Christmas Season. The sounds of Christmas joy are muffled by the kettle drum beats of fear, loneliness, and uncertainty. Hearts that were once full of joy, excitement, and expectation are hollow and the emptiness wrings out the soul. Many are the scenarios that could be shared this morning, but those who are experiencing the emotions that I am describing don’t need a scenario, they are living the story of heaviness as we speak.