I wonder how many people have a welcome mat that says “Merry Christmas!” I know I don’t. I think my New Year’s Resolution will be to get a “Merry Christmas” mat. I found it as a suggestion in a little book called, “101 Ways to Have a Christian Christmas”.
Sometimes it’s the little things that escape notice. Like, for instance, the fish sign. It’s an accepted symbol for Christianity. The Greek word for fish is ichthus. People who are knowledgeable call this word an acrostic for Jesus Christ. The us is the last two letters of Jesus and the remaining letters can look like a code for Christ. This piece of trivia makes a simple sign on the back of a car meaningful.
Take the books of Matthew and Luke. Were it not for these two there would be no Christmas. There would be no story to tell. And, as many times as I’ve read the Christmas story in Luke, it didn’t occur to me that the innkeeper missed the most important event in human history. It had to be pointed out to me.
This is a very special time of year. Celebrations are planned, programs are prepared, and feasts will be served. Our Christmas celebration at Sweden Church is open to everyone.
Christmas Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. this Saturday, the 18th. It’s not necessary to bring anything but yourselves. At 7 p.m. there is a children’s program, singing and other activities planned including bags of candy and fruit, which will be handed out. Come share this special time of year with us, the more, the merrier.
Copies of the sermon are always available and we would love to send you a CD of it. They are free. Call (417) 543-6219 to get a copy. However, if you would rather just pick one up, they are available at Strong’s Watch Shop in Barnes Shopping Center, Ava.
