Pastor Bob and Darlene Sorensen, Luke and Sally entertained members of Bethany Baptist Church and friends in their home Friday evening. There was a lot of good food for the occasion and lots of good conversation.
The folks at Bethany Baptist Church enjoyed the Soup and Pie Fellowship, Sunday evening at 4:30. There was a card exchange and lots of gifts opened after the meal. Then the Jubilee Singers presented a program of Christmas music at 6:00.
Pastor’s message Sunday morning was “The Joy of Christmas” from Matthew 2:10. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
Life without Jesus is empty and while we do not base our salvation on feelings, knowing Jesus brings joy and peace.
There is joy in knowing that God is for us. We often base our standard of success on the world’s standards for success. We measure success by the accomplishments that can be seen. Our salvation is not dependent upon our good works. We should do good works, because Jesus left us that example, but salvation is a free gift. We can never work enough to work out our salvation.
There is joy in belonging to the family of God. Some people are facing their first Christmas after losing loved one. Some people look back to memories of a home long gone. But there is joy now in being a part of the church family at Bethany. Here there are friends that really care and will share both the heartaches and joys of life.
There is joy in being liberated from fear. We need not fear the three ghosts of Christmas past, Christmas present, or Christmas future. We need not fear the past because you can confess those past sins and forgive others as well. We need not fear the present because Jesus promised, “Lo, I am with you always,…” Matthew 28:20. We need not fear the future because Jesus also said, “Let not your heart be troubled:… In my Father’s house are many mansions:… I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
There is a special joy in giving. We can share our faith, give encouragement, and give the gifts of helpfulness, friendship, forgiveness, acceptance, kindness, and most of all we should give gratitude. Have we not received the best gift of all, “a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord…”
