Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Good Morning! 

Note that we will not have class this coming Sunday (Christmas Sunday), due to a change in the time for church -- on Christmas Day, we will have one service at 10 AM.

 

Today's Scripture

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom his favor rests."

 

Luke 2:13-14

 

Today's Note

 

Here is an Advent devotional from the umc.org web site.

 

Christmas Angels

By Nell W. Mohney

Read Luke 2:10-15

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared
with the angel, praising God and saying…(Luke 2:13)

The Bible describes angels as “messengers of God.” In my own life, these messengers have come in human form. Years ago, I read a quatrain that was listed as anonymous. Though I have tried on several occasions to find its source, I have never been successful. Still it is a perfect description of my angels:

When God comes to me
On quiet, cat-like feet,
Why am I surprised
That it’s my neighbor down the street?

My angels have come to me with a casserole for my family when I have come home from the hospital; or the offer of babysitting when my husband and I needed an evening out. Sometimes they have come in encouraging telephone calls or a friendly smile….

When our older son died, we were surrounded by a multitude of angels who lessened our pain and surrounded us with God’s love. They became for us what Paul called, “the body of Christ.”

This Christmas, why don’t we become secret angels to someone who needs a lift? I have discovered that it is most rewarding to be that to children…Equally rewarding is a visit to an elderly neighbor or friend. Let’s all look for opportunities to be Christmas angels.

Prayer: O God of light, love, and peace, empower us to be your messengers to others; in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Today's prayer request:      Our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan

This is a very tough time for many families, as they have a loved one overseas serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.  They all need our prayers to help them be strong during this season, for both the families here in the states or those serving overseas. 

Today's class member prayer:  

Joey Harbarger

Have a great day.

Jay