The Parties and Programs of Christmas

Churches are very busy during the Christmas season. That is certainly true for us at Shellman Bluff.  Leading into December we gathered shoeboxes filled with toys and supplies for Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse to children around the world. 

            We also collected materials and filled backpacks for children at a mission camp in Shelby, North Carolina.  We receive an offering we call, “The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions, along with Southern Baptist churches across the nation.  That money, named for a lady who spent her life as a missionary in China, provides for those who serve as missionaries around the world. And that doesn’t even count the folks we help close to home. 

            And then there are the parties and the special programs.  As pastor I am invited to every Sunday school class party, and it’s a wonder that I don’t gain 20 pounds every December. You may not be aware, but Baptists can cook.

            And then there are the programs. Music is such a significant part of the season.  There are all kinds of songs, both secular and religious that help us celebrate at Christmas time.

            This Sunday our choir, of which I’m a part, will be singing our cantata at both services at 9 and 11 am.  Our children’s choir will also sing at the 11 o’clock service.  I will have a short message, but the majority of the message is in the music.

            If you are looking for a special way to celebrate Christmas this year we would love to have you join us. You can come at 9 and still make it to your own church later in the morning. Or if you do not have a church home we would love to have you stop by.  The truth is that we all need to worship with others, and there is no better time to start than at Christmas.

            As we get closer to the day, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas. May God bless as you celebrate His great work this year.