Things are quite busy around Ava General Baptist Church as we prepare to welcome the celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus. Choirs have been practicing, people are learning lines for the Christmas play and children are learning new songs and skits for their Sunday school program presentation. We also had our holiday meal last Sunday and we appreciate everyone who worked so hard in preparing that meal for everyone. We have been truly blessed with volunteers who love to serve others in the name of Jesus.
Bro Oren’s message Sunday morning came from Mark 1:1-7. John the Baptist spread the news that he was preparing a way for Jesus and encouraged people to repent and be baptized. Jesus was just beginning His ministry and he wanted the world to see Him as human and to set an example for all of us.
Last week we lit the first candle in advent, which was hope. Jesus’ birth gives us all hope for eternity. This Sunday as we light the second candle of advent for Peace, we know that Jesus gives us peace in our hearts if we turn it over to Him.
Christmas should be celebrated with a joy and reverence in order to show everyone how important Jesus Christ is.
Keep praying for people in our church and community. Remember Mona Decker, Jacob Evans, Bill Whitaker, Logan Brown to mention a few. Pray for those in the hospital and in nursing homes. So many people have needs that are not always physical but mentally and spiritually so remember to pray for as many as you can.
Our Christmas musical cantata will be Sunday Dec.19 during both the 8:30 a.m. and the 10:45 worship service. We invite you to come and bring a friend or your family. We hope to lift everyone’s spirits and celebrate Jesus’ birth with music, then later that evening our Christmas program from our Sunday school classes and the Christmas Play will all start at 6 pm. It should be a wonderful program so we hope you can make it.
On Wed. Dec 22, we’ll offer our Candle Light Communion at 7 p.m. This is for all Christians regardless if they are a member of our church or not. It is a beautiful evening that really gets your heart in the right place to honor our Lord and Savior for His sacrifice.
As Bro. Oren told us Sunday, “Clear the Clutter” of the hustle and bustle of Christmas and focus on the real meaning of Christmas. Jesus Christ is what it’s all about and God gave up His only Son for us. Make it count.
Have a wonderful week and we’ll see you Sunday. God Bless.
