I trust you are having a great Christmas Week this year. We certainly got off to a great start with Worship last Sunday morning and the presentation of “Tapestry of Light” by our Advent Choir and musicians last Sunday night! What a wonderful evening it was in the Lord’s House. I’m so glad you came and invited your family, neighbors and friends. Much thanks and appreciation to Sharon Austin for selecting, directing, and accompanying the Cantata with such enthusiasm and grace. And to everyone who gave their time in multiple rehearsals this fall. It was a blessing to all!

Last night, Robin and I had the opportunity to join our Youth and sponsors to participate in Santa’s Cause –a local ministry over 25 years old that provides Christmas gifts for impoverished families in the OKC Metro with a witness for Jesus Christ. As each team goes out to make deliveries; they take wrapped and unwrapped gifts, along with a D.S. – “Designated Santa” dressed in full St. Nick regalia.Keith Hudson and yours truly “volunteered” for the job. He had the deep voiced “Ho Ho” and me the more natural “Santa physique! ” We delivered toys, read a great Christmas story about whose birthday it really is and sang a carol or two. I wish my Spanish was better, but I hope “Merry Taco Bueno” still communicated! It certainly makes you much more appreciative of all that most of us have. It was my first time ever to play Santa Clause –something new for Christmas 2011. Thanks to Tony, all our students and sponsors who invested their time in such a great cause!

I hope you and yours will be able to join us this Saturday evening Christmas Eve for “Candlelighting and Communion” at 5:00. We’ll meet early, so you can enjoy the rest of your evening with family and friends. On Christmas Day, we’ll have the privilege to celebrate Jesus’ Birthday with Christmas Worship at 10:45 AM. No Sunday school or child care provided that morning. Encourage each of your children or grandchildren to bring a new toy with them to church for “The blessing of the toys” during the Children’s message (nothing dangerous or too noisy please!) We will also be making a special presentation during worship this Sunday in memory of Baird Askins and Betty Jordan.

This opportunity to worship together on Christmas only comes once every 5-6 years, so don’t miss it! Christmas really is all about the babe born in Bethlehem who gave His life for each of us. As Mathew records, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, ‘God with us.’”(Matt. 1:23). Sunday’s message celebrates that great truth; “Jesus –The Greatest Gift of All!”

Take a moment to turn your eyes on Jesus this week and thank Him for coming to this planet and giving his life for you. He is the greatest gift of all.

I love you!

Pastor Mark

PS - Don’t forget our Christmas Dinner with The Homeless this Sunday at 5:00. Merry Christmas!