Chandler F.U.M.C.
by Linda G. Keeling

Sermon (Dec. 9) "You have to Know the Players to Appreciate the Game." Scripture: Luke 1:34-55

"But when the right time came, the time God decided on, he sent his Son, born of a woman, born as a Jew, to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law so that he could adopt us as his very own sons." Galatians 4:4,5

Now as we enter the season of celebration, it is always good to reflect back on the time before Jesus, when we, as Gentiles were slaves to multiple gods. Where people lived in a society not very different than the society we live in today. There is still hatred of different races and ethnic groups. There are still laws required and those ignored. Unrest exists throughout the world, with starvation, diseases and wars. The difference in then and now is that if you believe in Him, you become His child. What serene peace occurs when you think about the birth of the Son of God. What joy one feels in knowing that our sins are forgiven, and that Jesus is always with us. Not just this season, but always and forever. So as we celebrate his birth during the coming weeks, always go in peace and love.

Thanks to Carolyn Bradley and all her efforts to pull together another Christmas Advent booklet. The messages written by our congregation are informative and inspirational. I usually read the whole booklet, and then go back each day to read more slowly the devotionals and offer prayer for each of our congregational families. If you did not pick up your copy at the back of the sanctuary, remember to do so next Sunday. Also, we have a number of our members that are in the hospital or will be over the holiday season, so please include them in your daily prayers.

Have you ever heard of young people giving up a week of their Christmas vacation to work? What about using their Christmas gifts to pay for the opportunity to work? That's what our young people will be doing December 26 through January 1st. This Christmas, John Taylor, Megan Frederick, Marla Pollard, Macy Pollard, Taylor Cramer, and Kate Griffin will be going with Marla Frederick for the first Christmas U.M.Army to work in Family Homeless Shelters in Texas City and Galveston, Texas. What a wonderful example of Christian service.

The UM youth have also adopted a family for Christmas this year. Please help them with this project by contacting Marla Frederick or pick up the "need list" at the front of the church. Thank you.

Please put on your calendars:

Dec. 9, for Santa at 6pm in Heritage Hall. Everyone is invited.

Dec. 16, at the 8 and 10am services will be the Christmas Musical cantata.

Dec. 24, a Christmas Eve Service will be held at 7pm. Come and join the congregation -- you will be blessed.

Happy anniversary: Jerry and Alice Murl Kidd. "For the word of God is full of living power." Hebrews 4:12. Remember, our prayers are with you always.

Happy birthday to: Julie Holcomb, John Miller, Bill Snow, John Killough, Tom Martin, Bobby Long, Carlin Cherry, and Carter Lackey.

Thought for the Week: "Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt. Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren't pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners." Jude 1:23