My brothers and sisters in Christ,
If that didn’t put you in the correct holiday spirit, I am not sure what will. Our Choir performed the Musical Cantata this past weekend, and for those who attended, what a holiday treat. You are not supposed to clap in between songs, but I wanted so badly to do so. They were simply awesome. How blessed I was to get to hear it twice. Great job, Barb and the choir.
I’m not sure if it is the greatest analogy, but I remember going to the high school activities where I taught. One, for my family and me, it was free. Second, it was so important for me to be reminded that even though they had trouble balancing a chemical equation, they were so talented in other areas. I will always remember a singing performance that made my jaw drop. She struggled a little in my class, but she could sing.
God has blessed us with so many different talents. I am glad that they are different. Could you imagine if everyone could sing like this high school girl, or like the choir? It just wouldn’t be as special, but maybe ho hum. I have said that everyone can sing. That includes your pastor. However, some people sing better than others. And then you have some that blow you away. Sort of like a colander. As you go down, it gets smaller and smaller. Even though this high school girl was great, there are so many who are even more talented. And some can even make a living off of their God given talent.
And that is what it is. A God given talent. Take a look at 1 Corinthians 4:7. The author is questioning what makes this person so special. Then he says, “And what do you have that wasn’t given to you?”
If we are given these talents, all we are supposed to do with them is glorify God. That is what I saw with the Choir. They looked like they were having fun up there. And yes, they were singing to us, but they were also glorifying God with the talents that were given to them by him.
This coming weekend, we will see our young ones do the same thing. Under the guidance of Jan Hauger, they will use their voices for us to hear, but also glorify God with them.
Looking at the schedule, a reminder that there will be no Saturday night service next week. I hope I see you all there on Sunday. My children are 39 and 37. I remember them singing in their Christmas program. And when I was sitting there, I hoped that those who didn’t have children or children of that age would support my children. Do we want more children in our church? Well, this is one way we do this. We support the children in their endeavors. I hope you enjoy the program. They have been working hard.
December Schedule
December 20 & 21 – No Saturday Service. Children’s program on Sunday
Christmas Eve Service – 3:00 p.m. (New time)
December 27 & 28 – Worship Service
Don’t forget our new time for our Christmas Eve service. It will start at 3:00 p.m.
Crossed marked and spirit sealed,
Pastor Tom
815-223-1144
Readings for fourth Weekend of Advent– Weekend of December 20 & 21
Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25