Monday, December 20, 2010

Family Connection 12.20.2010

Family Connection

12.20.2010

“In Jerusalem there was a good man named Simeon. He was a good and godly man. He was waiting for God’s promise to Israel to happen. The Holy Spirit was with him. The Spirit had told Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. The Spirit led him into the temple courtyard. Then Jesus’ parents brought he child in. They came to do for him what the Law required. Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said, ‘Lord, you are the King over all. Now let me, your servant, go in peace. That is what you promised. My eyes have seen your salvation. You have prepared it in the sight of all people. It is a light to be given to those who aren’t Jews. It will bring glory to your people Israel.’”-Luke 2:25-32 (NIrV)

Do you remember how it felt to wait for Christmas when you were a child? Just as children are eagerly anticipating Christmas, there were many who were anticipating the birth of the Christ, the Messiah, God’s Salvation for all mankind; Simeon was one of those people. He had been given a promise that the birth of Christ was near and he wouldn’t see death before he saw the Salvation of Israel born. He was fortunate but we are even more so because we know that Jesus has already been born, led a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, rose again from the dead and has an offering of salvation for each of us who believe. WOW!!!!

We celebrate Christmas as a reminder, a memorial, of the gift of God through Jesus Christ. Just like children, who need reminders and structure in their lives, we also need to take the time to focus on the important things in life. Thank you God for the reminder of Christmas!

I’m not sure how exactly it started but we have a tradition in my family of having our picture taken on the roof of our house; just me and the kids. We have been doing this for years and will even do it this year even though our children are 16, 14 and 11. This is something we do and it helps us focus on the Christmas season; what traditions do you have? Just as it is important for us to focus on the real reason for Christmas (if your child has been in Flight School in the last month they should be able to complete the following…Christmas is all about…Jesus); I believe it is also important to create traditions and memorials for the children in our lives to help them focus on God.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful, blessed and joyous Christmas!

Walking by your side,

Brett Humphrey

Pastor H

Monday, December 6, 2010

Family Connection 12.06.2010

Family Connection
12.06.2010
“There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby. It was night, and they were looking after their sheep. An angel of the Lord appeared to them. And the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy. It is for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. Here is how you will know I am telling you the truth. You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.”-Luke 2:8-12 (NIrV)
This past weekend in Flight School, I taught the children that Christmas is all about Jesus. This should be obvious because Christ is found in the very word “Christmas” but sometimes we may forget what this is really all about. It’s all about Jesus and His willingness to come to this planet, to be born in a barn, to spend 33 years in daily obedience to God the Father being faced with every temptation we face and yet not sin, die a horrible death on a cross, rise from the dead 3 days later and all because He wants to spend forever in Heaven with us. That’s amazing! That’s wonderful! That’s what Christmas is all about!

I would encourage you to take some time reading through Luke 2:1-40 with the children in your lives this week. Take the time to remind them why we celebrate Christmas in the first place and how we as followers of Jesus should live as He did (Philippians 2:5). I would encourage each of us to keep our focus on Jesus and serving Him through this holiday season.

I would also like to encourage you to look at an opportunity to serve with your family during this season. We have a local impact coming up this weekend, December 11, and we have opportunities for the family to serve together. Please follow the link for more information. http://www.southwestcc.org/PurposeCenter/Reach/Locally/ReachLocalImpact/tabid/1187/language/en-US/Default.aspx

It is my hope that each of us can make an eternal impact on the children in our lives this week.
Walking by your side,
Brett Humphrey
Pastor H