Pastor’s Notes
July 2014
“Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place!”
Jacob spoke these words as awoke from his slumber, as God spoke him in his sleep. You can read of it in Genesis chapter 28.
I had such a moment last week with our youth at Camp Copass. I was overwhelmed by the presence of God as more than 800 voices were raised singing “Bless The Lord, O My Soul,” the chorus to the song “10000 Reasons” by Matt Redman. I’m not one given to great emotional outbursts. But to hear such a sea of voices singing out with abandon to the worthy God was more than I could “handle.” I openly wept for joy at such a display of worship. If this is the sound of just 800, what will the millions in Heaven sound like?
The next night we wept again as a young man came to profess Jesus Christ as his savior! Tears of joy flowed in knowing another soul is redeemed. We saw the joy. We felt the stillness of God moving. Even in the midst of the controlled chaos of summer camp, we all sat quietly in reverence before the Holy Uncreated One, the God who loves us each so much as to give His Only Son as a worth sacrifice for my sin. And yours. And that of the world. God is good, the essence of the word and thought, the definition of what it means.
We don’t deserve it. “For the wages (what we’ve earned) of sin is death, but the free gift (we have not earned) of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
Friends, the Bible clearly explains the truth of our situation: there isn’t enough “good” that we can do to “earn” our way to Heaven. Our standard of “good” (really, we mean “good enough”) doesn’t come close to the perfection of God. We don’t have the means or power to do so on our own. God still shows His love in this: “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6)
When we profess Jesus as our personal savior, when we believe that He is who He says He is (see John 14:6 about His claims to who He truly is), profess Him as our Lord and begin to follow Him, we enter into salvation. What a God we serve! For we who follow Jesus, our mission is unchanging: to make disciples as we go, teaching all that Jesus commands!
Bro. Jim
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Pastor’s Notes June 2014
Pastor’s Notes
June 2014
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you, church family. So many of you offered such sweet congratulations as my family and I celebrated my completing my seminary degree a few weeks ago. I greatly appreciate all of the well wishes and congratulations that you gave. Your support as I have worked toward this goal has been invaluable to me.
But I also want to thank you for being you. That might sound strange, but as we have studied on Wednesday evenings in the “Your Church Experiencing God Together” study, we realize that the church is more than just a religious organization, it’s more than just another club, it’s more than a community support group. The church is the “bride of Christ” and as such, occupies a special role in God’s plan for His people.
You, friends and family, are placed here for a purpose – to bring glory to God in Christ Jesus, to work as the “hands and feet,” going to tell the Good News of salvation in Christ, and especially supporting and showing love to one another. I know that during the next few weeks of summer we will have many in our church family travelling for relaxation and to spend time with other family members. I want to encourage you to stay in contact with your Sunday school class and church family throughout this season, so that we can continue to pray and support one another. Likewise, get in the habit of inviting people to church around you! Remember this key point from our study: our relationship with Christ is personal – but it is not private. You are the salt and light of this community, and the light needs to shine. There are many around us who need to hear the good news of salvation in Jesus, now, more than ever.
We have much work to do as a church. But the amazing thing about this kind of work is that it is energizing and exciting! We’re in the process of a new missions work beginning in Oroquieta City, Philippians. It is already working and we look forward to broadening the mission there.
Likewise, meetings are being conducted and research beginning on completing the vision for our Sunday school and fellowship facilities. Please continue to be in prayer during this planning stage, as we’re preparing reports back to the church in the near future.
Church family, as always, I believe with all my heart that our God has incredible days ahead for His church. We will always seek to be aligned with God’s will for His church. Our buildings are not “the church.” They are tools for the church. All of this is God’s and we are stewards of what is His. As always, it must be to His glory, as should be the lives of the people of His church!
Our mission is unchanging: to make disciples as we go, teaching all that Jesus commands!
Bro. Jim
June 2014
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you, church family. So many of you offered such sweet congratulations as my family and I celebrated my completing my seminary degree a few weeks ago. I greatly appreciate all of the well wishes and congratulations that you gave. Your support as I have worked toward this goal has been invaluable to me.
But I also want to thank you for being you. That might sound strange, but as we have studied on Wednesday evenings in the “Your Church Experiencing God Together” study, we realize that the church is more than just a religious organization, it’s more than just another club, it’s more than a community support group. The church is the “bride of Christ” and as such, occupies a special role in God’s plan for His people.
You, friends and family, are placed here for a purpose – to bring glory to God in Christ Jesus, to work as the “hands and feet,” going to tell the Good News of salvation in Christ, and especially supporting and showing love to one another. I know that during the next few weeks of summer we will have many in our church family travelling for relaxation and to spend time with other family members. I want to encourage you to stay in contact with your Sunday school class and church family throughout this season, so that we can continue to pray and support one another. Likewise, get in the habit of inviting people to church around you! Remember this key point from our study: our relationship with Christ is personal – but it is not private. You are the salt and light of this community, and the light needs to shine. There are many around us who need to hear the good news of salvation in Jesus, now, more than ever.
We have much work to do as a church. But the amazing thing about this kind of work is that it is energizing and exciting! We’re in the process of a new missions work beginning in Oroquieta City, Philippians. It is already working and we look forward to broadening the mission there.
Likewise, meetings are being conducted and research beginning on completing the vision for our Sunday school and fellowship facilities. Please continue to be in prayer during this planning stage, as we’re preparing reports back to the church in the near future.
Church family, as always, I believe with all my heart that our God has incredible days ahead for His church. We will always seek to be aligned with God’s will for His church. Our buildings are not “the church.” They are tools for the church. All of this is God’s and we are stewards of what is His. As always, it must be to His glory, as should be the lives of the people of His church!
Our mission is unchanging: to make disciples as we go, teaching all that Jesus commands!
Bro. Jim
Pastor’s Notes May 2014
Pastor’s Notes
May 2014
Last week at our regular business meeting, the church unanimously voted to move forward toward the vision of completing building on this section of our campus. Allow me some time to explain the next steps. First let me reiterate some of the key parameters regarding any future building. It must:
• meet future needs – we must take a “long view” of building, not just addressing immediate needs, but the needs of future generations to follow.
• be built with existing funds – in other words, no debt. Through the blessings God has given each of us, our building fund is in great shape. We have sufficient funds to move forward. Likewise, we need to work within the scope of the funds available. This will also guide our planning.
• serve multiple purposes – we must have facilities that can serve a variety of purposes, some we know now, some that may be revealed in future days.
• be built with stewardship in mind – advances in technology that result in long-term maintenance and monetary savings (such as in heating and cooling) must be considered for the sake of long-term stewardship.
• be built with consensus – building: it takes time and hard work. Our church body needs to be working with one mind as we move forward. We must carefully weigh options in prayer and considerate discussion. We must work toward reaching agreement so that hearts and minds are clear. We must always seek God’s will for the future of His church.
Secondly and to that end, our Future Planning Committee will be working to meet with committee chairs to determine needs and desires for future building. Likewise, the notes that were taken during our discussion preceding our vote last week will be reviewed. Overall, there will be extensive prayer and consultation with other churches that have recently built similar buildings. There is much that must be accomplished over the next few weeks as the committee is tasked to provide a report and recommendation at our regular June business meeting. Please pray for the committee: Toni Long, Dana Price, Leonard Edwards and Tim Long.
Friends and family, I believe with all my heart that our God has incredible days ahead for His church. We will continue to seek to be aligned with His will for His church. Buildings are not “the church.” They are tools for the church. As I’ve stated before, how we move forward in faith and love in our discussions will speak volumes. But I’m at peace regarding this initial step that has been taken. All of this is God’s and we are stewards of what is His. As always, it must be to His glory.
Our mission is unchanging: to make disciples as we go, teaching all that Jesus commands!
Bro. Jim
May 2014
Last week at our regular business meeting, the church unanimously voted to move forward toward the vision of completing building on this section of our campus. Allow me some time to explain the next steps. First let me reiterate some of the key parameters regarding any future building. It must:
• meet future needs – we must take a “long view” of building, not just addressing immediate needs, but the needs of future generations to follow.
• be built with existing funds – in other words, no debt. Through the blessings God has given each of us, our building fund is in great shape. We have sufficient funds to move forward. Likewise, we need to work within the scope of the funds available. This will also guide our planning.
• serve multiple purposes – we must have facilities that can serve a variety of purposes, some we know now, some that may be revealed in future days.
• be built with stewardship in mind – advances in technology that result in long-term maintenance and monetary savings (such as in heating and cooling) must be considered for the sake of long-term stewardship.
• be built with consensus – building: it takes time and hard work. Our church body needs to be working with one mind as we move forward. We must carefully weigh options in prayer and considerate discussion. We must work toward reaching agreement so that hearts and minds are clear. We must always seek God’s will for the future of His church.
Secondly and to that end, our Future Planning Committee will be working to meet with committee chairs to determine needs and desires for future building. Likewise, the notes that were taken during our discussion preceding our vote last week will be reviewed. Overall, there will be extensive prayer and consultation with other churches that have recently built similar buildings. There is much that must be accomplished over the next few weeks as the committee is tasked to provide a report and recommendation at our regular June business meeting. Please pray for the committee: Toni Long, Dana Price, Leonard Edwards and Tim Long.
Friends and family, I believe with all my heart that our God has incredible days ahead for His church. We will continue to seek to be aligned with His will for His church. Buildings are not “the church.” They are tools for the church. As I’ve stated before, how we move forward in faith and love in our discussions will speak volumes. But I’m at peace regarding this initial step that has been taken. All of this is God’s and we are stewards of what is His. As always, it must be to His glory.
Our mission is unchanging: to make disciples as we go, teaching all that Jesus commands!
Bro. Jim
Pastor’s Notes April 2014
Pastor’s Notes
April 2014
During the sermon beginning our series on “Faith” several weeks ago, I brought forward a vision to utilize building funds for two purposes: construction of facilities to meet our future needs and direct support of a new missions work. On April 27th, during our regular monthly business meeting, we will conduct a discussion session regarding these two items. It is an opportunity to talk about what God is leading us to do with the funds which have been faithfully given for many years and over which He has given us stewardship. If you are a church member, I invite you to participate in this discussion. My hope is that we will be able to determine a course of action to forward to the Future Planning Committee for further research and refinement.
In anticipation of that discussion time, please allow me to further clarify the vision so that we’re on the same page as we move forward. There are several key parameters that need to be stated so our conversation may be more production. Regarding any future building, it must:
• meet future needs – we must take a “long view” of building, not just addressing immediate needs, but the needs of future generations to follow. Our church’s vision has been expressed in how our current sanctuary and office facilities are built. In that regard, we need to discuss that vision and address whether existing plans are sufficient
• be built with existing funds – in other words, no debt. Through the blessings God has given each of us, our building fund is in great shape. We have sufficient funds to move forward. Likewise, we need to work within the scope of the funds available. This should also guide our discussion.
• serve multiple purposes – we must have facilities that can serve a variety of purposes, some we know now, some that may be revealed in future days.
• be built with stewardship in mind – advances in technology that result in long-term maintenance savings (such as in heating and cooling) must be considered for the sake of long-term stewardship.
• be built with consensus – I have no illusions about building: it takes time and hard work. Our church body needs to be working with one mind if we are to move forward. We must carefully weigh options in prayer and considerate discussion. If we are not of one mind regarding such a large step of faith, we must work toward reaching agreement so that hearts and minds are clear as we move forward, seeking God’s will for the future of His church.
Friends and family, God has incredible days ahead for His church. We must be aligned with His will for His people, His church. Buildings are important, but they are not truly what we’re about. They are not “the church.” They are tools for the church. How we move forward in faith and love in our discussions will speak volumes – it is a kind of fruit of our faith, no matter what steps God has for us in coming days.
Our mission always remains: to make disciples as we go, teaching all that Jesus commands.
Bro. Jim
April 2014
During the sermon beginning our series on “Faith” several weeks ago, I brought forward a vision to utilize building funds for two purposes: construction of facilities to meet our future needs and direct support of a new missions work. On April 27th, during our regular monthly business meeting, we will conduct a discussion session regarding these two items. It is an opportunity to talk about what God is leading us to do with the funds which have been faithfully given for many years and over which He has given us stewardship. If you are a church member, I invite you to participate in this discussion. My hope is that we will be able to determine a course of action to forward to the Future Planning Committee for further research and refinement.
In anticipation of that discussion time, please allow me to further clarify the vision so that we’re on the same page as we move forward. There are several key parameters that need to be stated so our conversation may be more production. Regarding any future building, it must:
• meet future needs – we must take a “long view” of building, not just addressing immediate needs, but the needs of future generations to follow. Our church’s vision has been expressed in how our current sanctuary and office facilities are built. In that regard, we need to discuss that vision and address whether existing plans are sufficient
• be built with existing funds – in other words, no debt. Through the blessings God has given each of us, our building fund is in great shape. We have sufficient funds to move forward. Likewise, we need to work within the scope of the funds available. This should also guide our discussion.
• serve multiple purposes – we must have facilities that can serve a variety of purposes, some we know now, some that may be revealed in future days.
• be built with stewardship in mind – advances in technology that result in long-term maintenance savings (such as in heating and cooling) must be considered for the sake of long-term stewardship.
• be built with consensus – I have no illusions about building: it takes time and hard work. Our church body needs to be working with one mind if we are to move forward. We must carefully weigh options in prayer and considerate discussion. If we are not of one mind regarding such a large step of faith, we must work toward reaching agreement so that hearts and minds are clear as we move forward, seeking God’s will for the future of His church.
Friends and family, God has incredible days ahead for His church. We must be aligned with His will for His people, His church. Buildings are important, but they are not truly what we’re about. They are not “the church.” They are tools for the church. How we move forward in faith and love in our discussions will speak volumes – it is a kind of fruit of our faith, no matter what steps God has for us in coming days.
Our mission always remains: to make disciples as we go, teaching all that Jesus commands.
Bro. Jim
Pastor’s Notes March 2014
Pastor’s Notes
March 2014
Ever wonder how our prayers sound to God? As I talk and study with some folks it sounds something like this...
"God? It's me. I've got this whole life thing planned out. All I need You to do is bless my plans according to how I want you to. Okay? Great. Talk to you again next Sunday...Amen."
What does God say?
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13
There is a big implication here - do you see it? We must first acknowledge that God's plan is supreme. We have to then trust and obey. THEN we will call on Him! There is nothing halfway, three-quarters, or two-thirds... we will find Him and His hopeful, sustaining plan when we seek Him with our ALL!
What's the one prayer that never fails? "Thy will be done."
How are seeking God today? Merely as a last resort when things go "bad"? Only as a blessing for what you desire?
Or are you seeking Him and His plan, trusting and obeying Him as Lord? Are you following His will for your life? God knows you, is concerned about you, and has plans for you. Let that sink in. The Almighty, the One who created all, the Alpha and Omega, knows you and has plans for your life. Why wouldn't we seek that will all our heart?
Telling the Good News of Jesus Christ,
Bro. Jim
March 2014
Ever wonder how our prayers sound to God? As I talk and study with some folks it sounds something like this...
"God? It's me. I've got this whole life thing planned out. All I need You to do is bless my plans according to how I want you to. Okay? Great. Talk to you again next Sunday...Amen."
What does God say?
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13
There is a big implication here - do you see it? We must first acknowledge that God's plan is supreme. We have to then trust and obey. THEN we will call on Him! There is nothing halfway, three-quarters, or two-thirds... we will find Him and His hopeful, sustaining plan when we seek Him with our ALL!
What's the one prayer that never fails? "Thy will be done."
How are seeking God today? Merely as a last resort when things go "bad"? Only as a blessing for what you desire?
Or are you seeking Him and His plan, trusting and obeying Him as Lord? Are you following His will for your life? God knows you, is concerned about you, and has plans for you. Let that sink in. The Almighty, the One who created all, the Alpha and Omega, knows you and has plans for your life. Why wouldn't we seek that will all our heart?
Telling the Good News of Jesus Christ,
Bro. Jim
Pastor’s Notes January 2014
Pastor’s Notes
January 2014
Did you stay up to welcome in the New Year? Sometimes it’s fun! Other times, it’s more fun to welcome in the first dawn instead! The fun aspect of the new year is that it seems a chance to start over – nothing has been written yet, good or bad. It’s ripe with possibilities! That’s why so many of us like to make resolutions during this time. I would encourage you to make a couple of resolutions this year:
Pray for your church on a daily basis. Prayer is our lifeline and communication with our Lord. Lift up your church that we would have the vision see where God is leading us to go and determination to see it through.
I also encourage you to resolve to be part of the new study we’re doing on Wednesday evenings, “The Resolution”. This study is based on part of the story from the movie “Courageous” that we will be watching in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5th. It’s an excellent study that challenges us in our roles in the family and with each other. It’s a needed call for us to resolve to demonstrate Biblically based integrity in our daily lives.
I will be beginning a four-week series in January that speaks to what we seem to be missing in our culture these days: HOPE. The mere idea around the word is enough to get many interested and excited. We will be studying in the Word what true HOPE looks like. Please invite your friends and family who don’t have a regular church home! Resolve this year to “be a bringer!”
Finally, I would ask you to resolve to pray for your church staff and volunteers. There will be many challenges for our church body this year. I believe we are equipped to deal with every one of them as they come. But your prayers are needed that we would have the vision, energy and resources as we go about the work the Lord has laid out before us this year.
Resolved to tell the Good News of Jesus Christ,
Bro. Jim
January 2014
Did you stay up to welcome in the New Year? Sometimes it’s fun! Other times, it’s more fun to welcome in the first dawn instead! The fun aspect of the new year is that it seems a chance to start over – nothing has been written yet, good or bad. It’s ripe with possibilities! That’s why so many of us like to make resolutions during this time. I would encourage you to make a couple of resolutions this year:
Pray for your church on a daily basis. Prayer is our lifeline and communication with our Lord. Lift up your church that we would have the vision see where God is leading us to go and determination to see it through.
I also encourage you to resolve to be part of the new study we’re doing on Wednesday evenings, “The Resolution”. This study is based on part of the story from the movie “Courageous” that we will be watching in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5th. It’s an excellent study that challenges us in our roles in the family and with each other. It’s a needed call for us to resolve to demonstrate Biblically based integrity in our daily lives.
I will be beginning a four-week series in January that speaks to what we seem to be missing in our culture these days: HOPE. The mere idea around the word is enough to get many interested and excited. We will be studying in the Word what true HOPE looks like. Please invite your friends and family who don’t have a regular church home! Resolve this year to “be a bringer!”
Finally, I would ask you to resolve to pray for your church staff and volunteers. There will be many challenges for our church body this year. I believe we are equipped to deal with every one of them as they come. But your prayers are needed that we would have the vision, energy and resources as we go about the work the Lord has laid out before us this year.
Resolved to tell the Good News of Jesus Christ,
Bro. Jim
Pastor’s Notes December 2013
Pastor’s Notes
December 2013
“What do you want for Christmas this year?” When I was a child, I used to love that question. There was an opening of possibilities—new toys, sports stuff, walkie-talkies, and comic books. Whatever! The world was ripe for the taking! Okay, maybe I exaggerate just a bit. But the question was exciting. What do you want?
Fast forward a few years and I have realized how much my wants have changed. Amy and I have a wonderful family with two awesome boys. Our health is good and we have most of the material needs we could ever want or need. Now I dread the question, “what do you want for Christmas this year?” I’ve been so blessed that it begins to feel excessive.
A few years ago, I received from my family a goat. And some chickens. That might come as a surprise to you. I’m sure most of y’all know by now that I’m not, shall we say, “agriculturally gifted.” Simply put, I don’t know the first thing about raising animals. Fortunately for the goat and chickens, they never came near me. They were bought through WorldVision (http://donate.worldvision.org) and given to a family who needs them for milk, cheese and eggs. I still think it was a pretty neat gift, to know that others were able to benefit from someone blessing me.
If a gift like that is out of your range, or if you’d like to do something closer to home, there is a great local option: the Santo Angel Tree. This year it is located in the First National Bank of Santo lobby. It helps meet needs for folks locally. The Beta Club of Santo High School will also be providing turkeys or hams that will be included in food boxes that are being collected by Santo school students and personnel. It’s easy and fun to help meet needs right around us. It’s all done anonymously as well. Pick an angel off the tree and it contains information on the child, their request and other information that would be helpful in your meeting the need. It’s a wonderful way to make a meaningful difference in this special season.
Here’s another way: go to https://www.booster.com/tbhadopton and you can purchase a snazzy t-shirt for $20 showing your support for Texas Baptist Home for Children. Or you can give through the Web site. The incredible work done by this organization has changed countless children’s lives for the better during their 103-year history, as Amanda Colvin has shared with us recently. There are many other options to helping kids in our area as well—just ask me or Amanda and we will be glad to point you in the directions where you can help!
There will be much celebration over the next few weeks. But I would be remiss not to remind our church family of who we’re celebrating—Jesus, the Messiah, the Christ, born into the world of a virgin. He came into this world in a humble, yet magnificent, way to show the power and work of God. His power and work in Jesus Christ is still be demonstrated by His people who know Jesus as savior and friend! As Jesus taught Nicodemus: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. (John 3:16-21)
The light of the world is Jesus Christ. May His light shine brightly during this holiday season as we remember His arrival into the world—and the purpose for which He came!
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. May Jesus be praised!
Brother Jim
December 2013
“What do you want for Christmas this year?” When I was a child, I used to love that question. There was an opening of possibilities—new toys, sports stuff, walkie-talkies, and comic books. Whatever! The world was ripe for the taking! Okay, maybe I exaggerate just a bit. But the question was exciting. What do you want?
Fast forward a few years and I have realized how much my wants have changed. Amy and I have a wonderful family with two awesome boys. Our health is good and we have most of the material needs we could ever want or need. Now I dread the question, “what do you want for Christmas this year?” I’ve been so blessed that it begins to feel excessive.
A few years ago, I received from my family a goat. And some chickens. That might come as a surprise to you. I’m sure most of y’all know by now that I’m not, shall we say, “agriculturally gifted.” Simply put, I don’t know the first thing about raising animals. Fortunately for the goat and chickens, they never came near me. They were bought through WorldVision (http://donate.worldvision.org) and given to a family who needs them for milk, cheese and eggs. I still think it was a pretty neat gift, to know that others were able to benefit from someone blessing me.
If a gift like that is out of your range, or if you’d like to do something closer to home, there is a great local option: the Santo Angel Tree. This year it is located in the First National Bank of Santo lobby. It helps meet needs for folks locally. The Beta Club of Santo High School will also be providing turkeys or hams that will be included in food boxes that are being collected by Santo school students and personnel. It’s easy and fun to help meet needs right around us. It’s all done anonymously as well. Pick an angel off the tree and it contains information on the child, their request and other information that would be helpful in your meeting the need. It’s a wonderful way to make a meaningful difference in this special season.
Here’s another way: go to https://www.booster.com/tbhadopton and you can purchase a snazzy t-shirt for $20 showing your support for Texas Baptist Home for Children. Or you can give through the Web site. The incredible work done by this organization has changed countless children’s lives for the better during their 103-year history, as Amanda Colvin has shared with us recently. There are many other options to helping kids in our area as well—just ask me or Amanda and we will be glad to point you in the directions where you can help!
There will be much celebration over the next few weeks. But I would be remiss not to remind our church family of who we’re celebrating—Jesus, the Messiah, the Christ, born into the world of a virgin. He came into this world in a humble, yet magnificent, way to show the power and work of God. His power and work in Jesus Christ is still be demonstrated by His people who know Jesus as savior and friend! As Jesus taught Nicodemus: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. (John 3:16-21)
The light of the world is Jesus Christ. May His light shine brightly during this holiday season as we remember His arrival into the world—and the purpose for which He came!
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. May Jesus be praised!
Brother Jim