I bring you good tidings of great joy!

I want to start by thanking the kids who helped me decorate the church on Saturday morning. Angela Monreal’s grandchildren, along with Vicki and Jose’s children, showed up just in the nick of time. One thing we learned is how challenging it can be to figure out where all the Christmas decorations go. Next year, I’ll be asking for help from someone who knows exactly where everything belongs!

Another thing we discovered is that much of the garland we have is old and falling apart. We may need to have a garland collection next year before decorating for Christmas. Unfortunately, our current garland has seen better days. Despite these challenges, the sanctuary looks beautiful—especially the tree. A special thanks to Danny and Brian for putting up the tree on Friday and adding the decorations to the top.

Advent is a time in the Christian faith where we eagerly wait in anticipation for the arrival of God made flesh. Yet, we know God is already with us, has been with us throughout eternity, and will remain with us forever. So, what are we truly anticipating?

For me, I will never stop anticipating that moment when I see Jesus face to face. I cannot imagine what that will be like. I also long for something I’ve hoped for my entire life: peace on earth. My earliest memories include news stories about the JFK and RFK assassinations, escalating conflicts around the world, and local struggles during the civil rights movement. It seems my whole life has been marked by war or conflict somewhere in the world.

I long for peace. I pray fervently for the day when all we do is live in peace with God and with one another. I pray for a time when taking care of our neighbors becomes our priority, consuming our efforts and energy. I beg God daily that we will immediately begin caring for our planet and protecting it from harm. And I pray that the light and love of God made flesh will shine in the lives of all His creation. These are the things I eagerly anticipate. What about you?

While we look toward the future, waiting in eager anticipation for the peace that surpasses all understanding, we must remain true to Christ’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves. Remember, Jesus said, “When you did something for the least of these, you were doing it for me.”

Don’t forget the many activities we have at the church this month:

• There’s still time to order a cheese enchilada dinner for this Friday night.

• The Ladies’ Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 12th.

• Our children’s Sunday School class will present something special during the service on Sunday, December 15th.

• Join us for our annual Christmas with Santa celebration and concert on Saturday, December 21st.

• And, of course, we’ll gather for our beloved Christmas Eve service on Tuesday, December 24th, at 6:00 PM.

We will continue to hold church services every Sunday, including December 15th and 22nd, and every Sunday until the Lord comes back to get us.

My love and blessings to you all,

Mary

A Dinner—for Women

WOMEN’S LUNCHEON – Thursday, Dec. 12, 11:30 a.m. Every female person reading this is invited. The food is good—the fellowship even better. In the Fellowship Hall.

Another Dinner—a Fundraiser

For Eastside Ministries—helping the poor here at Christmas. Ronnie Sullivan and family are preparing an enchilada dinner this Friday evening—Dec. 13—at 6:00 p.m. This is always a great meal for a great cause.

Do support it.

Christmas Open House

At the Brennan Place

That’s this coming Sunday afternoon—2:30 to 5:00. Come and go or come and stay. Bring a bit of goodies, if you wish—but not necessary, and most people won’t. (My sister is doing some cooking.)

You can tour the house—lots of very old stuff—but this is not about the house. It’s about the Christmas fellowship. (The tree is up—and decorated!)

There are things to see: a chair John D. Rockefeller III bought in 1947 for Colonial Williamsburg, a 150-year-old painting in the hall that looks like Steven Moore, an old chest from 1697 that used to be in the Brooklyn Museum.

And perhaps Carolyn Bell, although that is far from certain. (She may not feel up to it.)

Address: 1506 King Arthur in Grand Prairie—one block north of I-30. (Take the 161 George Bush exit—over 161 to the service road on the other side, turn left to British—right on King Arthur.) I’ll be home.

The Class

The class is over until mid-January.

Breakfast continues.

Speaking of Breakfast

It’s a Winston Sunday.

Food and fellowship at 10:30 a.m.

Followed by worship.

Come, let us worship together.

God Bless,

—MB