Everyone is so busy this time of year with shopping, baking lots of cookies and preparing wonderful meals for the family to gather. But let’s not forget the shepherds in the fields quietly going about their night keeping watch over their sheep, when suddenly an angel appeared to them.

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I bring good news to you, wonderful, joyful news for all people!” The shepherds were terrified. Instead of running away in terror, they listened to the message and decided to go to Bethlehem to confirm that the message that the angel brought was true. When they got there, they confirmed that it was true. After seeing this, they left and told others, praising God, and expressing joy about the birth of the Savior.

Shepherds were the first to hear of Jesus’ birth. Some think that the shepherds were first to hear of Jesus’ birth because they were low on the social rung, and God wanted it known that Jesus was for everyone. We do know that the shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. Then the shepherds returned home and shared the news of Jesus’ birth.

From the angels to the shepherds to the world, the good news of Jesus is for all people. Joy is meant to be shared, as joy is for all. See you in church Sunday so you can tell us of your joy!

Blessings, Miss Sue and Miss Vickie.

The Christmas Show
A Great Evening

Attendance was excellent, the food was great, and it seems the concert lifted hearts and filled folk with the spirit of Christmas. Thanks to those who made it possible and to those who supported it with their presence. (The fellowship lasted all evening.)

Christmas Eve

Sunday morning, we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent, with Mary preaching.

Sunday evening: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

“The most beautiful service of the year”

6:00 p.m.

My Sermon: “An Ultimate Joy”

See you Sunday.

And—Merry Christmas

God bless—

MB

I have heard many fine sermons from Max Brennan in the last 12 years but Sunday’s sermon, “At the Right Time”, is definitely one of his finest. Thank you, Max, for always preaching the truth, even when the truth is hard to say. You are a light on a hill, and I am grateful for your 42 years of service to St. Matthew. And the song Shannon blessed us with is still playing in my head. We are so blessed to have so many talented people around us, sharing their love for God and the gifts God has given. I look forward to finishing Advent among all of you.

Jo and Joe Adams have 2 spaces left at their Christmas Dinner table. Please let them know if you would like to join them.

We had two huge food contributions this week to our Eastside Ministry lunch program. We are so very appreciative of the people from our church and OUTSIDE of our church who support the ministries of our neighborhood. Christmas Eve is Sunday, and we will have a rare double service. Sunday morning at 11am as usual plus a Sunday evening service at 6pm. Come early at 5:30 and enjoy a moment of fellowship before our service with a surprise in the fellowship hall.

Blessings to all of you!

Mary

Our lesson this week was about JOY. Before Mary and Joseph could enjoy the birth of their son, they had to travel to Bethlehem. The emperor decided everyone had to be counted for tax purposes in the town where they were born. Joseph was born in Bethlehem, so they had to travel with a very pregnant Mary to that town. Bethlehem was very crowded, and they could not find a place to stay.

A man took pity on them and found them a place to stay. Though it was not ideal, they were happy that they had a place to stay; because that very night Jesus was born, not in a comfortable guest room or palace, but in a humble place, with animals for company. Jesus brought JOY not only to Mary and Joseph, but to the whole world. During this Advent season children are anxiously awaiting Christmas.

Our children lit up our Christmas program by carrying in the star and lights for the tree and capped off their entrance with a song. They are excellent singers we need to hear more often! Santa and his elves stopped by with stockings filled with goodies. His visit had the kids really happy to share their requests with this Jolly Ole Elf. Hope we see you in church Sunday.

Blessings

Join us at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 16th for our annual Christmas Show.

2414 Hitson Lane, Fort Worth, TX 76112