Service Dec. 14, "Christmas is a God-Size Event". Scripture 1 John 4:1-16

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

The basic premise of Christianity is the Virgin Birth. If we accept other alternatives to the birth of Christ, then our whole belief system in the Holy Trinity is faulty.

Nonbelievers use the irgin birth as an example of the unreality of our faith system.

Jesus was conceived by man and woman in the "natural way that nature dictates." But God was the one that created nature and He is the one that dictates to nature even in our day.

For example, there have been several articles reporting on lower animals reproducing in extraordinary ways.

While evolutionists believe their theory that humans evolve from lesser animals, they cannot accept virgin birth even when it has been documented in their own professional journals.

However it was C.S. Lewis, who wrote that he could understand those who deny miracles altogether, but cannot those Christians who believe in the other miracles of the Bible, but draw the line at the Virgin Birth.

As we enter the season and celebration of the greatest miracles of all, the birth of Jesus Christ, let's remember how He came and for what purpose.

"With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will dawn upon us. It will shine on those who live in darkness, in the shadow of death. It will guide us into the path of peace. And so the child grew and became strong in spirit." (Luke 1:77-80). Our gift from God, for all who believe.

Remember that two of the Bible studies scheduled for next year will start the first week in January.

The Monday morning Bible study coordinated by Martha Copeland will be on the Psalms and Reverend Pinson's study, scheduled for Monday evening

will be on the Book of Revelation.

Our Reverend and Carol

Munch will continue their Bible studies the third week in January.

The enrollment sheets will be located in the church office. Please come by or call soon.

I cannot tell you how much joy you will receive by being in "The Word" next year.

Next Sunday at 10:00 will be the Cantata; both services will be combined to celebrate this beautiful musical offering.

Then plan on returning at 6 p.m. for the Children's program, a joyous sharing of the achievements of children in the CrossTraining program.

To learn the importance of giving during this season, the children have been making Christmas ornaments to sell next Sunday. All earnings from their efforts will be donated to God's Open Hands.

I saw an advance display, and they are really very pretty, and will last for generations to come, so be sure and purchase one, or more.

United Methodist Women will have their December meeting the 17th. This will be their annual season celebration scheduled at the McGill's home. The new officers will be installed at this time.

Everyone interested in participating in UMW is invited to attend. The organization will be meeting on a quarterly basis next year with special meetings on Saturday afternoons, so more individuals can be accommodated.

Put on your "To Do List" for the New Year, "Join the UMW," a dynamic group of ladies.

December 21 will be a "Unity Service" at 10:30 and Candlelight and Communion Service is scheduled at 7 p.m., December 24th.

Happy Anniversary to: Jerry and Alice Murl Kidd, and Shirley and Bob Pyle.

Last week the Bradfords, Russell and Geraldine, were listed as celebrating their anniversary, but we did not note that on December 7th, it was their 63rd year of marriage.

What a wonderful example of what "Holy Matrimony" truly means.

Happy Birthday to: John Miller, Dan Mourgos, Emogene Finley, Buster Kidd, Jerry Keating, Marcie Hutchins, Lyndie Wangler, Carter Maddox, Tommy Pollard Jr., Garrett Kyser, Olivia Kyser.

Thought for the Week:

"Don't begin to say to yourselves, `Abraham is our father.' I tell you that God could make children from Abraham from these rocks." As spoken by John the Baptist and written in Luke 3:8.