Long Live the Christmas Spirit!

Next to a circus there ain’t nothing that packs up and tears out of town faster than the Christmas spirit. – K. Hubbard

The moment Jesus approached the demon-possessed man, the demons were ready to flee. WOW!

The ‘New Year.’ Only 7 days behind the ‘celebration’ of the birth of the Christ child, but millions of miles apart from “peace on earth and goodwill to all men.” Now it’s back to business as usual – how do we get ahead, what’s our new battle plan, a return to the wars that await. But if the birth of Christ made a difference in the world 2,000 plus years ago, and made a difference in our hearts when we accepted Him personally, should not that ‘spirit’ be alive in us every day, even right now! Yes, the world awaits us as it always has, the problem is we so often meet it far removed from Christ. Let’s try a different approach and let the ‘Christmas spirit’ live in us and through us all the time. We’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain. Happy New Year!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” – I Peter 3:15

A 2020 Christmas Prayer

Heavenly Father, we say "thank you" for this day and time. We realize Christmas looks a bit different this year.


Our houses are not as full with family, our tables won't be as crowded for the meal, and chairs will sit empty as we unwrap the gifts and celebrate. Even our visits to grandma and grandpa will be curtailed. Not because we want to, but because we know it's best for the health and well-being of us all. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an abrupt change to our holiday routines and our everyday lives.

But I pray Father, that it has also given us time to think, reflect, and draw closer to you. And I pray may we gain an even deeper appreciation for 'Immanuel' (God with us)! May each of us learn to enjoy and appreciate YOU more than our spouse, children, family, and friends. May we be able to celebrate the TRUE SPIRIT and reason for the season, your gift to us - JESUS!

Thank You,

Amen!

The gift of Christmas leaves none wanting or wishing if it is truly received. - Anon

Online Service 12/20/20 #SouthsideSunday

Merry Christmas! Re tell the story of The Arrival in this week's Online Service Premier via YouTube at 10am, and don't miss Ms. Sabrina Barnes! Southside Sunday

https://youtu.be/F91a7-HmFQE

Happy with Yours

The gift of Christmas leaves none wanting or wishing if it is truly received. - Anon

The Israelites had God as their loving leader,  instead after looking at their neighbors they wanted a king like everyone else. It really cost them. Hmm!

Admittedly, we are imperfect human beings in nature. We know what God says to us in His Word, but yet we go against it anyway. For instance, we know that envy is sin, but sometimes in our human frailness and particularly in this time of the year where we see the blessings, gifts, and fellowships others are enjoying envy can rear its head. Thus, we must guard ourselves against that natural tendency to feel resentment and jealousy towards others because of their good fortune. As a believer, we have absolutely no right or reason to be envious of anyone, because we ourselves are already possessors of the greatest gift of all creation: God’s Grace through Christ. Nothing matches it, exceeds it, or compares with it, and it abounds more and more each day. So a simple suggestion guaranteed to keep us satisfied and content is to fill our hearts with God’s love, His promises, and His Son, and that will not leave any room for any bitter activity.

We will be taking a few days off until the New Year, so until then …..

Pastor Botts

“…..therefore, laying aside all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy……desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” – I Peter 2:1-2

Our Limitations, God's Opportunities

Your limitations become your prison only when you treat them as such. – Anon

The Israelite army felt powerless against Goliath and the Philistines, letting him severely taunt them for 40 days. Then David and his GOD came along. VICTORY!

For most of us as Christians or children of God there are many things we draw the line at saying “I just can’t do it.” Not that we don’t think the task worthy, we just don’t think it’s in us or we possess the ability. But we serve a God who has always equipped his children in their ‘hour of need’ as they sought him out. In reality our limitations are God’s opportunities. We should just give them over to God and watch the miracles unfold.

I will be taking the next week off, so this keyboard will be silent until I return. So until then Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Pastor Botts

“Ah. Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” – Jeremiah 32:17

P.S. - Don't forget we start at 9AM this Sunday.