WOW!

It is an awesome privilege to worship and live in community with people who really want to be like Christ! Over the last few weeks, I saw you give almost 100 coats, sweaters and sweatshirts away to the needy in the Metroplex. Then Sunday, we brought some further needs...friends who were homeless, inner city kids who need to go to Summer Camp, needy kids in Nicaragua who need shoes...and I asked everyone to bring $5 per person, so we could put at least $20-25 in each envelope.

Well, lo and behold some of you don't know the difference between 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 dollar bills (yeah, that's right $50!). So, every envelope had $100 or more in it when I was done sorting and we will be able to send three kids to camp in addition to all the other needs. Thanks for your generosity...and be prepared that Bill, Amy and Cyndi will be bringing us some thoughts in a couple of weeks on how we can continue to minister 'in our own league'.

Much love to all of you, and may you have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!

The Power of Community

I love being in community with people who love Christ and seek to be like him. We can have fun at the Akins on Sunday night, while we serve others by bringing coats and sweaters that will be desperately needed this Winter. Yet, I can also get a call from Holden this afternoon that he needs some sound equipment so that Greg can perform some Elvis Christmas tunes at the PRCA teachers banquet this evening, so Jonathan just jumps in the car with me, and we go to help out, and even end up helping to clean the room for the banquet. Then Corwin and his mom show up with more stuff, and I believe Daniel was following along behind...I love these people!

Some Advent Thoughts

Take a few moments to read the following scriptures:

* Isaiah 11:1-10; Matthew 3:1-12; Romans 15:4-13

Advent is about preparation and expectancy. The season of Advent reminds us that we all need to prepare to meet God, to expect this coming encounter. Moses prepared the people -- if you read Exodus 19, you will find the Israelites spent a great deal of time getting ready to come into the presence of God. John told his listeners to prepare in just one word "Repent!"

Advent also reminds us that our world was forever changed with the coming of Jesus. But the entry of Jesus into our world will happen again. Paul used the word transformed in telling the Romans how they must prepare for the second coming. (Romans 12:2) Advent reminds each of us that preparation is still needed.

After reading Matthew 3:1-12, consider:

* By his dress and actions, John stands out. How do you stand out for Christ?

* What was John's message?

* How can you and I prepare this Advent Season to stand out for Christ?