This past weekend of 2012 will go down in my life as truly emotional roller-coaster of a weekend. Our whole nation was captivated by a scene of horror and pain, frankly not felt since September 11, 2001. We watched as reports from Newtown, Connecticut grew more and more grim. The story unfolded of 20 children, ages 6 and 7, six women, administrators, and teachers, in an elementary school, and a 20 year-old man, who would kill in cold blood and then take his own life. And as the incredible law-enforcement official began putting all the pieces together, the feelings and emotions that gripped my heart were without words. As I shared Saturday night and then again on Sunday morning, the perspective God was placing on my heart, I continue to encourage all of us to bathe these families and the Newtown community in our prayers.

From following the events of Friday and Saturday, I found myself not really in the “Christmas spirit” as time came for our First Baptist Christmas event with our Worship Arts Team and special guest, Charles Billingsley. But, oh my, how God’s presence and true worship of Him can lift a heavy heart. It really was a phenomenal night of hope, challenge, and remembering the true message of Christmas. Thank you to all of our musicians for making Christmas come alive in a lot of hearts Saturday night. Then, of course, Sunday night we were blessed by the sweet sounds of the children’s choirs as they, with their bright eyes and cheerful smiles, sang of the Christ child who has come to bring light and life! It was a prefect way to cap off a very unusual weekend!

This coming Sunday, the Sunday before Christmas will be marked by a very special guest. We have been blessed to have some unique visitors the Sunday morning before Christmas, who have shared with us, “The Christmas I Remember.” It’s a wonderful time for families to worship together and hear again what a huge impact a simple birth could have on a life. Then, on Monday evening, Christmas Eve, at 5pm, I hope that all of you who are still in town will take the opportunity to join us for a memorable night of Communion, Candlelight, and Carols! What a wonderful way to welcome in the exciting day of Christmas!!

I hope you and your family will all have a blessed and Merry Christmas. May God richly bless you as we join our hearts together this coming Lord’s Day!

In His Love,

Pastor Mark