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

Sermon (Dec. 23rd) "Following a Star and Finding a Stable" Scripture: Matthew 2:1-16.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service 7 p.m. Sermon: "Life is Ordinary ... Until Jesus Enters Your Life." Luke 2:1- 15

"For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: "Wonderful," "Counselor," "The Mighty God," "The Everlasting Father," "The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah in 700 B.C., predicted the coming of the Messiah. This prophesy was one of 300 listed in the Old Testament. Now we have the privilege of celebrating the coming of the Christ child. Whether he was conceived by a virgin, or born in a manger on December the 25th should make no difference. God was before creation and will be forever, even after the end of time. His sojourn on earth provided a means for our salvation and for that reason should be remembered as a religious festival. We shall celebrate with joyous merrymaking, hospitality, music, family and as always, with love and thanksgiving.

Christmas means love. It means that you need to go to church and learn about the Christmas Story. It means giving and getting, but mainly giving. You need to invite people to church, so you can have a "Christ-mass." Written by Carlin Cherry, age 11.

Christmas means baby Jesus was born. Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem. Santa comes to our house and brings us toys. Christmas trees decorate the house. Written by Krista Cherry, age 6.

Connor Smith, age 4, said he would give Jesus some lights and cookies and also a pillow.

Taylor Tallant, age 5, wasn't sure yet.

Davie, age 3, whose parents are "Princess and Spiderman" (no last name) said he would give Jesus a blanket.

The sanctuary Sunday was filled with the Christmas Poinsettias. What a beautiful sight! We owe a "Thank you" to all the members who donated poinsettias in memory of a loved one, to share with the whole congregation. What a wonderful atmosphere for the candlelight Christmas Eve service.

With the poinsettias providing the background, our Adult and Youth choirs and musicians filled our senses with sounds of Christmas joy and wonder. How blessed we are. Patti Long, with Kate Griffin at the keyboard started with "O Holy Night." There were solos by Marla Pollard, and Kim Pollard with Gwen Jones dancing to "Breath of Heaven." The Youth choir sang "Amen, Go Tell It," with soloists Ryan Reid, Allison Reid and Macy Pollard. The performance was called "Lessons and Carols" which included scriptural readings interspersed with songs. This program first appeared nearly 100 years ago in England and was designed to tell the story of Christ's birth. It is hoped that it will become a yearly happening at Chandler First Methodist Church.

Friday the Methodist Men will gather to prepare fruit baskets. This is an annual project of UMM. The baskets will be delivered to the widows and shut-ins of the congregation on Saturday.

Happy Birthday to: Lou Langston, Jean Braden, James Thompson, Martha Copeland, Alice Wilson, Glen Cade, Dianne Bass, Tom Maddox, Charles McHam, Misty Hockman and Tanner Essary. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33

Thought for the Week: "It is senseless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, fearing you will starve to death; for God wants his loved ones to get their proper rest." Psalms 127:2