Wesley United Methodist Church, Orange TX

Baby Jesus in the manger.  A wonderful scene but what happens next.  Just like with Mary, Joseph and Jesus there is a real world out there to be lived in by us.  Joseph had to dodge a cruel ruler who wanted to kill Jesus and we have to go back to work, back to driving on roads with crazy drivers, back to dealing with rude inconsiderate people, well you get the idea.  While we think we face lots of problems try moving your wife and baby Son on the back of a donkey while trying to stay under the radar of Herod who is crazy and harsh enough to kill all children under the age of two in the region around Bethlehem.  Yes we definitely have problems but if Joseph can listen to God and handle his problems then surely we should be able to listen and obey.  Joseph did it and look what he accomplished through God.  Joseph helped to keep Jesus alive because he listened to God and when we listen we keep Jesus alive by going out into the world and showing the light of His love to the world.  Be bold and have the strength to be who God wants you to be through the power of the Holy Spirit.

May God’s Peace and Blessings be with you,

Randy

What a precious gift has been given to us.

I have been thinking a lot lately about all the gifts that Jane and I will give to our children and grandchildren.  We are very blessed to be able to give so generously and we have taken advantage of that ability.  God has blessed us in so many other ways also and we are very thankful.  The act of giving a gift is so important in our Christian culture.  We see it in the giving of a gift from our God of His only Son.  Our entire faith is based on the act of giving.  To give something to someone else says that you love them.  God gave us His Son. He poured His love out upon earth and blessed us with the opportunity for everlasting life.  His gift was not some material thing that will wear out or tear up or be outgrown with time. It is love forever.  Give the gift of love to someone else in this world and you may be giving the gift of everlasting life. Love is what it is all about.  Giving love is the only way we can example God’s gift to ourselves.  Remember John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.  Great words of great gift giving.  Kind of makes our gift giving look small and insignificant doesn’t it.  Small maybe but not insignificant.  Our gifts to the world of love are how others hear about the great love gift God has given us.  Give good gifts to the ones you love and give better gifts to them and to the rest of the world.  God loves you very much, remember the birth of our savior, the life and the death, and the resurrection.  No better gift can be given to anyone than for you to share your faith with those you love and those in the world you live in.

Have a very Merry birth of Christ Day and may God bless you and keep you,

Randy

The Cross and Flame are the symbol of the United Methodist Church worldwide.

• What is a United Methodist?  A United Methodist is a Christian who is part of a global denomination called The United Methodist Church. The organizational structure is often described as “the connection.” When you participate in a United Methodist congregation, you make an impact throughout the world.
• What do you do at your church services? United Methodists have a variety of worship styles from traditional to contemporary and beyond. You can expect readings from the Bible, preaching, singing and often Holy Communion, also called The Lord’s Supper or Eucharist. United Methodists believe that Christ hosts Holy Communion. All are welcome to participate. It is not for members only!
• What does a United Methodist believe? United Methodists believe in actualizing their faith in community—actions speak louder than words. The three simple rules are: “Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.” Some beliefs we share with other Christians are the Trinity (God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and Jesus’ birth, death and Resurrection.
• Do United Methodists have something like a pope? No pope, no central office and no archbishop. United Methodists have a structure that in some ways parallels that of the U.S. government. The church has a General Conference, its legislative branch; a Council of Bishops, somewhat like an executive branch; and a nine-member Judicial Council, the judicial branch.
• Do you do missionary work? What kind? United Methodists serve the world over, showing Christ’s love through tangible means. From sustainable water systems to health care, micro-lending, advocacy and a plan to eliminate deaths from malaria by 2015 (Imagine No Malaria), United Methodists have many ways for people to live out their faith in community. Many United Methodists are active in both local missions and global efforts.
• What do you do with financial donations? When you give to a local United Methodist congregation, you support ministries all over the world. While the largest percentage of your gift supports local church ministries, a portion (called an “apportionment”) goes beyond the community to make a difference throughout the world.



This Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Love.

Jesus shows us God’s perfect love.  He is God’s perfect love in human form.  Those who believe in him and live in him, live in love.  Love transforms and perfects all things.  It never ends.

We will light a candle Sunday to remind us that God is love. We thank God for hope he gives us, for the peace he bestows, for the joy he pours into our hearts, and for the love that redeems us and shows us the way.

Have a great Christmas and no matter how many people cut you off in traffic, bump you in the stores and are just rude to you, you are the light of Christ shining in this world.  Love your neighbor even when you don’t like them.  Show them the joy, hope, peace, and love in your hearts.

God’s Hope, Peace, Joy and Love to all,

Randy