Christmas

Monday, December 21, 2009

Christmas is on Friday. I am sure many of you are trying to finish that last minute shopping, preparing the house for family and guests, planning menus, and wrapping presents. The magical season that comes once a year is here. We are in the midst of it all. I am thankful that it is a magical time. It causes us to gather with friends we do not see often, reflect on the year and make resolutions for the one ahead. I do not think it is a coincidence that this is the time of year we celebrate Christmas. It is a time of celebration, joy, peace, love and reconciliation. I understand that for some it might not be as joyous as it is for others. 2009 has definitely had it's rough patches, hasn't it? I have had some of the highest highs and the lowest lows this year, too. But God never promised us a perfect life, did He? In fact, He TOLD us we would have trouble. But He also PROMISED us He would ALWAYS be with us. In times where we do not see God in our lives, it is most likely because He is probably behind us. We just have to turn around (and away from OUR way of life) to see Him.

The reason we celebrate "Christmas" is because we are celebrating the birth of a baby who came down from heaven to experience our way of life, to love on us, and to provide a path to the Father in heaven. Please stop and think about this for a minute. If you have had a rough year, even if yo have had a great year, and you have been distracted away from God, I encourage you to turn back to Him. Start 2010 right with God. Jesus was God's way of reconciling with us. We sinned and He provided a way for us to be with Him. Forever. Trust me, even though I have only been on this earth for 22 years, I have experience enough time without God to know that His way is truly the only way. Life with Him is an adventure. I never know what is coming next. I did not know that I would ever live in Asheville, North Carolina. But, I have been blessed beyond anything I could have ever imagined.

I am not the type of person that usually does this sort of thing, but God has laid this on my heart. If you are reading this and you don't know Jesus, I encourage you, no, I plead with you, start the new year right with God. He love you. He created you. Why would He want to hurt you? I promise you, 2010 will be the biggest leap of faith you will ever take. However, it will be the start of the biggest adventure you cannot even imagine. I am not promising you that the next year will be perfect. I know it won't be. But with God guiding you along the way, you will have strength, courage, and love you need. God created us. Wouldn't He know the TRUE desires and needs of our hearts?

If you are ready to commit your life to Jesus, all you have to do is pray this simple prayer:

Father God, I confess that I have sinned. I ask for your forgiveness and I ask for you to come into my life and to direct my life. Show me the life you have for me. Thank you for your mercy, grace and love. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family! Like any family, we are a crazy bunch, in every since of the word. :) If you prayed this prayer, would you let me know? You can send me an email, Facebook me, however you want. Also, if you don't have a Bible, I would like to give you one. For free. Just send me your address.

If you didn't say this prayer, but are still curious, I encourage you to find someone you trust and know to be a Christian and talk to them. If you don't know anyone, I would be thrilled to talk to you.

To all of you, if you do not have plans of Christmas Eve, go to a Christmas Eve service. I do not care of you are Catholic or Protestant. Below you will find information on several churches and their service times on Thursday. I have included some from several areas.

Nashville: 

The Church at Hope Park

Service times: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm.

8001 Hwy 70 South

Cross Point Community Church

Dec. 23rd: 6:30pm

Dec. 24th: 3:30pm, 5pm, & 6:30pm

4301 Charlotte Ave.

Los Angeles:

SOUTH BAY
Knob Hill Community Center Sunday 6:00pm
Toddler - 5th Grade Programming

Special Christmas Eve gathering- 12/24, 5:30pm
320 Knob Hill, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

PASADENA
William Carey University Sunday 9:30am
Mott Auditorium
Birth - High School Programming Sunday 11:15am
Franson Building
Birth - 5th Grade; H.S. Prog.
* No Jr. High Programming

Special Christmas Eve gathering- 12/24, 5pm- Franson Hall
1539 East Howard Street, Pasadena

North Carolina:

Biltmore Baptist Church
Service Times: 4pm & 6pm
35 Clayton Rd, Arden, NC 28704

If there is an area that I haven't listed and you would like help finding a church in your area, please contact me and I will be more than happy to help.

I sincerely hope that you all have a joyous Christmas. I hope that it is peaceful, relaxing, and magical.