Fourth Sunday of Advent - Pastor Don summarized and finished his series on those we "touch" in our lives. We reach out to our neighbors; then the seemingly unimportant people who are regularly overlooked; and now finally those closest to us our family. We realize that with the ones closest, we find there are those who disappoint; that there is conflict and difficulties; that EGR - Extra Grace Required is often in order. Sometimes it's hard to remember to love and forgive those who are close. May we all think as Paul, "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy." Philippians 1:3-4 - NIV. Think about the world first and yourself second. Remember the babe in the manger – Jesus became vulnerable for us so he could die for us. What a truly awesome gift!

Pastor Don continued the Advent sermon series with "New Faces, Old Table", referring to those coming to the Lord's Table for communion, and using Luke 2:8-20. He spoke of the "forgotten" people of this world, the seemingly unimportant ones who are regularly overlooked, in this case the shepherds. The angels came down to speak to them, to tell them of Christ's birth. Our Lord sent his only son to a lowly birth as a sign to us that no one is unimportant to him. Think about it: the person is as important as the message. In this glorious season of Christmas may we freely share the joy of the "good news" with all people.