Joy to the World

This Sunday, Pastor Roman spoke about Joy. The title of his sermon was, "Joy to the world", keeping with his sermon series "When God Came Near". I loved what he shared as he spoke about the busyness of the Christmas season and how we get caught up in everything except the reason we celebrate Christmas.

What if there was no Christmas and there was just cold, snowy winter season. Nothing to look forward to...no celebration....no big family meal....no gifts....just depressing coldness. That would be pretty miserable, wouldn't it? Well, that's what it feels like for those that don't have the joy of knowing Jesus.  They feel as if they are stuck in an endless winter.

Many people are depressed around this time of year, maybe because they are not married or do not have children or don't get along with family members or don't have the money to buy big presents. In the hustle and bustle of the season, we tend to forget the whole reason why we celebrate this time of year. It's the time God sent His son Jesus into this crazy, dark world to save all of us sinners.

I really enjoyed this last Sunday of the year because it allowed us the time to really focus on Jesus and thank God for seeing us through another year. We were able to come together as a church family and give God praise for all that He has done. Not looking at what we don't have or what we didn't get for Christmas, but thanking God even for the little things and for everything we have. We were able to remember the reason Jesus came into this earth and to thank Him for giving us that Joy, that Peace, that Love!!

Scripture Reference: 
Isaiah 40:1
Psalm 30:5

Addictions

Yesterday, during LifeGroups we discussed the topic of addictions. Addictions can be addicting because they provide an escape for us. Escape from stress, from our problems, from our life. There are many kinds of addictions. Some are obvious, drinking, drugs, certain relationships that aren't good for us. Others, are not so obvious but can also be an addiction. Over-eating, social media, constantly checking our phone, or shopping can all be a way of escape for us...a continuous habit for us.

How do you 'escape' your issues? Do you try to forget your problems with a 'quick fix' like a drink, only to pick up the problem right where you left it?

Instead of turning to that short term solution, turn to God. Maybe you start by downloading the bible app on your phone and doing a devotional. Or you begin with listening to some relaxing worship music like Bethel or Elevation worship. Or you simply go somewhere to be alone, close your eyes, and pray to God.

Some of you may blame God for the way your life turned out. Maybe things haven't gone your way in life or things didn't turn out the way you planned. And if that is so, then God should be the last person you want to be mad at! Out of anyone, He is the one that can turn things around for you!! It may not be easy and it may not change over night...but start small and work your way up to true change. Start reading the bible for 5 minutes, then go to 10, then 15, and so on. Also, try looking up some great worship music on youtube or on Apple Music.


Little by little, your addictions will turn from the bad habits and you will be creating the good habits of spending time in the presence of God, spending time in His word, and becoming 'addicted' to the right things!

Scripture Reference: John 8:36
Worship Song Suggestion: "You Know Me" by Bethel

"Not a Flashy Entrance"

I want to take a second to brag on my husband. Yesterday his sermon was entitled, "Not a Flashy Entrance" and it truly ministered to me. He shared the Christmas story & how Jesus, our savior, arrived on a donkey.  He didn't have bright lights, security guards, fireworks, chariots, the finest linens.....no flashy entrance to announce, "I'm here".

But here was a child of a King, born unto this world to save all of humanity from sin.  He had every right to arrive in a "look at me, I'm here to save the world" type of entrance. But He arrived on a donkey, in a manager, wrapped in cloth. He came into this world humbly.

You see, although God wants us to be blessed, He also reminds us that there is so much more than the things of this world.

What a great reminder that Jesus was born unto this world with so little, to give us all so much. That it wasn't the riches of the world that made Him grand, it was the riches of His heart. 

Let us not lose sight in this holiday season of the riches, or the grand gifts. But, let us remember that on this day, a savior was born and it is the season to share the love, the warmth, and the appreciation for one another. Take the time to spend with your loved ones and your family this season, but most importantly, take the time to spend with your savior. It is easy to get caught up in the family drama or the gifts or even in exhausting yourself in travel as you try to be at every get together or every relatives house. Don't get distracted with the flashy-ness of Christmas. But take the time to bow your head in Thanksgiving and be grateful for the greatest gift of all. Jesus.

Think about it, He had every right to have a grand entrance. But, He didn't. Not His name in lights, not His flashy lifestyle, not His possessions...but His grace, His mercy, & His sacrifice. From our family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas!!

Scripture Ref: Luke 2

 ~Lady Shaleen Roman