Christmas is almost here!  As we move toward this 4^th Sunday of Advent, and Christmas Eve, let me encourage you to draw near to the Savior who drew near to you…by coming to you.  

To help us do that, I’ve been preaching a series called Faces Around The Manger.  This Sunday we’ll conclude that series by looking at “Mary: God’s Humble Servant.”  Our text will be Luke 1:26-38.  Read and pray over it in advance.  What is God teaching us here?  

I also hope you’re making plans for Christmas Eve.  This year we are holding candlelight communion services in our sanctuary at 3:30 and 5:00pm, and the 5:00pm service will be livestreamed.  This is a wonderful outreach opportunity.  Reach out to that friend or family member you’ve been praying for and seeking to lead to Christ. 

Invite them to come or watch.  Share the invitation to the services and the video of the service on social media.  There are so many people who are lonely and looking for a word of hope these days.  Believe me, they will hear it in these services.  

Your giving continues to come in for our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, but we are still about $35,000 away from our goal.  Let’s keep pressing toward the mark as we move closer to Christmas.  The needs around the world have never been greater.  If you are in a position to do so, let me challenge you to give more than you had planned to give this year.  There is no greater gift you could give this Christmas.  

The past few days have brought some joyous news, with the first shots of COVID vaccines being administered.  The rapid development of at least two incredibly effective vaccines is nothing short of a miracle.  It is a massive answer to prayer.  Let us praise God for it, as we look toward 2021 with rising hope in our hearts.  In the meantime, let’s do what we can to keep this from spreading to others.  It is an issue of loving our neighbors.  

Speaking of which, this Sunday our Advent theme is LOVE.  In a world that is sad and lonely and hurting and angry and divided on so many things…remember who you are, Christian.  Remember the Savior who loved you and gave himself for you.  Remember that you represent him.  Represent him well, shining forth his LOVE in all that you say and do. 

I’ll see you on Sunday, in-person or online. 

By His Grace, For His Glory, To The Nations, 

Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr.