Kids’ News

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Before today’s part of the story, an angel told Mary she would give birth to God’s Son. Mary also learned that her cousin Elizabeth was expecting a baby. Excited to share this news, Mary went to visit Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, her baby leaped for joy inside her. Elizabeth said, “Why am I so blessed that the mother of my Lord would visit me?” She knew this was a sign that both of their children were special gifts from God.

Mary and Elizabeth encouraged each other as they prepared for their lives to change. Just like them, we can support one another and share God’s joy.

As we prepare for Christmas, remember that it’s not just about presents. It’s about celebrating Jesus, the greatest gift from God.

Friday’s Word – Second Sunday of Advent

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The focus turns to Christmas. And it couldn’t come at a better time.

The days are getting darker, both literally and figuratively. Incompetent and unethical people are about to take the reins of power. It looks like all is lost.

And then the Babe comes.

Christmas is on its way.

We talked last week about a world in which God intervenes.

And God does, indeed, intervene, and the biggest intervention of all is the Babe.

And I find my heart lifted.

“With God, all things are possible,” the angel said to Mary.

And I am filled with hope.

Because I know where the power truly lies.

The Babe is invincible.

There is no power against his love.

They killed him.

They tacked him to a tree and watched him die.

Yet, he is with us today.

He runs the whole show.

And fighting him is like standing in a rushing river with your arms stretched out to stop the water.

The Spirit of the Babe is moving the world in one direction only.

Toward community.

Toward unity.

Toward love.

I’m not just confident. I’m in good spirits. I’m feeling all “Christmasy.”

I am sitting here tonight planning our Christmas concert. I just added an ancient carol.

It has in it the line, “There came a flower bright amidst the cold of winter.”

There are hard times ahead. But we will move through them.

The Babe is born.

(Christmas Concert, Sat., Dec. 21—6:00 p.m.)

Max’s Corner

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The number is 10.

Christmas Schedule

There are five important dates:

  • Thursday, Dec. 12th @ 11:30 AM: Ladies of Saint Matthew Luncheon @ St. Matthew.
  • Friday, Dec. 13th @ 6:00 PM: Annual Monreal Sisters Enchilada Dinner @ St. Matthew.
  • Sunday, Dec. 15th @ 2:30 – 5:30 PM: Christmas Open House @ the Brennan Home.
  • Saturday, Dec. 21st @ 6:00 PM: The Christmas Concert with dinner and Santa @ St. Matthew.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 24th @ 6:00 PM: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service @ St. Matthew.

These events are important. Let them be for you.

The Class

Do you truly want to understand Christian theology? Do you want to know how God works in the world? Do you want to renew your sense of awe before God—your sense of living on holy ground?

Come to this class. Start at any time.

Every week at 9:45—breakfast after.

Speaking of Breakfast

We must bring it this week. Help, if you can. I’ve got pigs-in-a-blanket covered.

Food and fellowship at 10:30. Followed by worship.

Church Facebook Page

Are you on it?

We have a goal to get everyone who has a computer to join the St. Matthew Facebook page. Someone Sunday will be talking to you about how to do that.

Come, let us worship together. This Sunday.

God Bless,
—MB