Advent Devot ional 2011

From Our Pastor

Welcome to the season of Advent! First Baptist Church has a rich heritage

of using these days before Christmas to prepare our minds and hearts for the cele-

bration of the birth of Christ. In addition to the worship experiences at church, this

Advent Devotional will be an excellent way for you to move through these holy

days of preparation.

Advent comes from the Latin word meaning “to come.” This “coming” has

three dimensions; (1) the coming of Jesus in the flesh at Bethlehem; (2) the

coming of Christ into our hearts in the present; and, (3) the “Second Com-

ing” of Christ in glory at the end of time. The Season of Advent includes the four

Sundays prior to Christmas Day. These days form a special time for us to prepare

for the coming of Christ in all of these dimensions.

Our worship theme on Sunday mornings during Advent will be the same as

the theme for the Living Christmas Tree. Based on the words from the song,

“Canticle of the Turning” our theme reminds us of the heart songs that we sing in

response to the special “day” that the Lord brings. This day is the birth of Jesus –

it is also the second coming of Jesus. We sing in gratitude for the day that has

been and in expectation for the day that is to come. The sermons during Advent

will spring from the words of the refrain in this great song that our choir will be

singing. As we explore these themes of Advent and Christmas, we hope that your

heart will sing as well.

Refrain:

My heart shall sing of the day you bring.

Let the fires of your justice burn.

Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near,

And the world is about to turn.

I am grateful for all of the writers who have contributed to this book. My

prayer is that you will let these moments of devotion each day draw you closer to

Christ whose birth we celebrate.

With your Bible and this booklet in hand . . .

I invite you to let your heart sing!

David W. Hull

Sunday, Novem

ber 27, 2011

W h a t d o e s y o u r h e a r t s i n g ? B y S a r a h S i z e m o r e

What does your heart sing at Christmastime? Rudolph? Frosty? Are

you a “Silent Night” person or do you prefer a little “Rockin’ Around the

Christmas Tree?”

What should the heart sing as Christmas nears?

Personally, I know a lot of songs. I have 1,604 songs on my iPod. I

know hundreds more songs that I choose not to put on my iPod. I have

learned many, many songs during the twelve years I have been in school and

church choirs. I can sing all the nursery rhymes we learned as children. For

goodness sake, songs become familiar after I hear them a few times on the

radio! And of all the songs I know, I don’t think one is worthy for my Lord.

You may cry, “What?! Not ‘O Holy Night’ or Handel’s Messiah? Surely the

‘Hallelujah Chorus’ is worthy.” I admit it. There are fabulous songs in this

world. We have been blessed with such great composers as Mozart and Bee-

thoven, but there has yet to be a song written worthy to be sung for God,

especially on such an occasion as his birth.

So why sing? The answer, of course, is in the Bible. Look up: 1

Chronicles 16:9, Psalm 47:6, and Psalm 98:4. What do these verses have in

common? Singing! We are specifically commanded to sing. Sing jubilant

songs. Sing songs of praise. The Bible is chocked full of commands to

sing, sing, sing!

This is where the heart singing comes in. Some of you might have

been deprived of the ability to sing. Maybe you have a tin ear. Maybe you

sound like a drowned cat. Maybe you have no voice at all. It doesn’t mat-

ter! That’s what is so great about our theme this year: “My heart shall sing

of the day you bring.” You don’t have to do the singing. Your heart

does. That could be good news or bad news. It’s good news if you can’t

sing. It’s bad news if you don’t believe what you are singing.

Do you believe it? Is your heart silent and without song? Step back a

moment and really think of what Christ has done for you. Then come to a

complete silence and listen. I think your heart will find a song.

As Ephesians 5:19b says, “Sing and make music in your heart to

the Lord.” So whether you sing “Jesus Loves Me” or “Silent Night,” sing,

and sing with your heart.

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T h e L i g h t o f t h e W o r l d B y H e i n r i c h D u b o s e - S c h m i d t

During this last year, there has been one song that I’ve listened to

more than any other. It’s by Stuart Townend and J.K. Jamieson, entitled

“The Light of the World”, set to an Irish-sounding melody. This wonderful

song recalls the work of Christ in creation, his work among people up to his

death on the cross, and his continued work shining on the earth with “gifts

of forgiveness”.

Every time I hear the song, I am struck by the contrasts of the second

verse:

The Light of the World

Now shone as a man,

And walked through the valleys

He’d carved with His hands.

A servant to those

He’d breathed into life,

He felt our injustice

And shared in our strife.

Jesus was working in creation to make everything we see. He is the image

of the invisible God and by him all things were created. Yet he walked as a

man through the hills and valleys that he so much enjoyed making. All

things were created through him and for him, but he walked here on the

earth.

And he didn’t just walk around admiring the views! He became a ser-

vant to those he “breathed into life”. What could be more incomprehensible

than Jesus Christ coming to serve us—not counting equality with God

something to be grasped but emptying himself by taking the form of a ser-

vant. Jesus became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

God showed his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died

for us.

This Christmas season, as we celebrate Jesus’ birth, let us marvel in

holy reverence at the Creator of the world walking among us, sharing in our

hardships. Let us follow his example of servanthood among our church and

also with those on the outside—even among our enemies. Let us deny our-

selves, take up our cross, and follow him. Let us wait expectantly for our

Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like

his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things

to himself.

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S i n g i n g a n d T u r n i n g B y E l i z a b e t h H o s t e t t e r

For the Christian, singing is a response to the joy we experience in

relationship with Christ. Singing helps us to give utterance to the thankfulness we

experience for what He has done. Singing from the heart is not just an emotional

response, but rather an outlet for praise arising from our knowledge of who Jesus

is and our acceptance by faith of Him as savior.

Several old hymns express why we sing.

• Why Do I Sing About Jesus (541): “Deep in my heart there’s a gladness;

Jesus has saved me from sin… Cleansing without and within!... He is my

Lord and my Savior; Dying, He set me free!”

• He Keeps Me Singing (Baptist Hymnal 425): “There’s within my heart a

melody;… Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest name I know, Fills my ev’ry long-

ing, Keeps me singing as I go.”

• Heavenly Sunlight (424): “Jesus has said, ‘I’ll never forsake thee,’ Prom-

ise divine that never can fail…Hallelujah, I am rejoicing, Singing His

praises, Jesus is mine.”

• When We All Get to Heaven (514): “Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,

Sing His mercy and His grace: In the mansions bright and blessed, He’ll

prepare for us a place. When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing

that will be! When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory.”

John quotes Isaiah 6:10, “He has blinded their eyes and deadened their

hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their

hearts, nor turn – and I would heal them.” (John 12.40) Later in this passage,

Jesus cried out in reply to unbelief: “When a man believes in me, he does not

believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees

the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who

believes in me should stay in darkness.” (John 12.44-46) Our world continues

to be filled not only with growing unbelief but much darkness.

The Advent theme comes from the tree anthem,” Canticle [song] of the

Turning”. The “turning” in “Canticle of the Turning” doesn’t refer only to the mo-

mentous turning of history that resulted from the birth of Jesus and the coming

new day of eternity, but it also refers to my personal turning to Him. Turning isn’t

going in circles or constantly changing one’s direction, but rather, the turning that

resulted when I repented and turned to Him for salvation. It is a turning that stays

turned towards Him, allowing Him to be Lord. As you worship this Advent sea-

son, I pray, that you will keep Him first and find a depth of gladness that makes

you sing: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus… and the things of earth will grow

strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

M y H e a r t S i n g s B y A l l e n G o d w i n

My heart sings

of reading or listening to the birth of Jesus Christmas story.

My heart sings

of spending time with friends and family.

My heart sings

of singing on The Living Christmas Tree.

My heart sings

of hearing my favorite Christmas songs.

My heart sings

of seeing Christmas decorations.

My heart sings

of eating roasted pecans.

My heart sings

of singing Christmas songs in worship at church.

My heart sings

of seeking gifts to buy for loved ones.

My heart sings

of seeing gifts I give being opened on Christmas morning.

My heart sings

of receiving and opening gifts on Christmas morning.

I will sing to the Lord

for he has been good to me.

Psalm 13:6

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G i v i n g o f Y o u r s e l f B y E l a i n e D i c k s o n

One of the most important lessons that I learned about having a song

in my heart occurred when I was about seven or eight years old. My mom

was a teacher in our English as a Second Language classes at First Baptist

and one evening she and I went with a group of her students to sing at sev-

eral nursing homes in the city. As I looked around at all of the residents, I

wondered how they could get any enjoyment out of life, especially at Christ-

mas. Most of them looked as if they were in a faraway place, oblivious to

the sound of our Christmas carols. “These people are ancient!” I thought,

“They can’t do anything but sit in their wheelchairs.” I wondered if they

were getting any pleasure from our songs. As we were leaving to board

our bus, a hand reached out and stopped me. I turned and found myself face

to face with an elderly, wheelchair-bound woman. “Here, take these”, she

said. I looked down, and in her wrinkled, gnarled hand were two pepper-

mints. For a moment I just stood there, too amazed to speak. She, who

seemed to have nothing, was giving me a gift! She must have interpreted

my silence as a sign that her offering was inadequate, because she said,

“They are all I have”.

I would like to say that I thanked her for her kindness, but I was so

surprised (and painfully shy) that I forgot my manners and simply smiled

and took the candy. Later I realized how closely her actions paralleled those

of the widow giving the two copper coins as an act of worship and gratitude

to God. There are moments in our lives that we wish we could relive, and

this is one of mine. If I had the chance I would express my appreciation to

the lady who taught me that no matter our circumstances, we can give of

ourselves. When we do this we honor God, who gave the ultimate gift of

His Son, Jesus. That night we provided songs, but she offered a song of her

heart.

My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing,

I will sing praises, even with my soul.

Psalm 108:1

S o n g s o f t h e H e a r t B y J o n a t h a n a n d A m y B o y d

The Christmas season can be thought of in many, many different

ways, and everyone has his or her own opinion of what it is or should

be. Crass commercialism continues to push Christmas shopping earlier

and earlier each year, which was a problem long before Charles Schulz

made the "Charlie Brown Christmas" special in 1965. As a single adult, I

had fond memories of childhood Christmases spent with my family, but my

attitudes towards Christmas have changed after becoming a parent of two

little children.

I can see, through my children's eyes, how much they love Christ-

mas. It is easily their favorite holiday and time of the year. They love it

when the radio stations switch over to Christmas carols 24/7, and they love

hearing all the traditional standards as well as the silly kids songs,

too. They love Christmas carols so much, they have me sing one as their

bedtime lullaby throughout the year.

When I think of what my heart sings of during Christmas time, then,

my heart sings of childlike wonder and amazement at the season. There is

an almost inexpressible joy that comes from these children as they get

closer and closer to Christmas day. They saw the Living Christmas Tree for

the first time last December, and they loved hearing the music and seeing

the singers atop the tree. They love hearing the Jesus story and learning

about what it all means. And, yes, they love opening their presents on

Christmas day.

My heart sings along with the Christmas standards sung by people

like Andy Williams, Mel Torme, and Dean Martin, yes. But it also sings

along with the simple Christmas hymns we learned growing up in church:

O Holy Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing and Go Tell It On the Moun-

tain. It is a beautiful season, and one that is worth carrying along in our

hearts throughout the year, as our children do.

Psalm 8:1

“From the lips of children and infants

you have ordained praise…”

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Saturday, Decem

ber 3, 2011

W h a t D o Y o u H a v e To B r i n g ? B y J o h n a n d D i a n e G o r d o n

When I was ten years old, my parents took me to my first Symphony Or-

chestra concert. It was stunning, and I discovered the first love of my life (Diane

came much later). I’m talking about the Double Bass.

I have a passion for playing the bass. But life doesn’t leave much time to

play, making the time that I’m able to play very important. I am blessed to have

playing opportunities throughout the year in churches of various denominations:

Baptist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Methodist and even non-

denominational churches.

I used to consider these “gigs” as a fun, easy way to earn some extra holi-

day cash. Over time though, God nudged me in a different direction. He surprised

me, and began to give me an increasing sense of awareness and reverence for the

act of playing the bass itself as worship.

Sometimes entertainment can masquerade as worship, and like some, I’ve

been guilty of that misunderstanding. We should strive to understand the fine line

between appreciating the entertainment value of the art (whatever the form: music,

painting, sculpture, etc.), and worshiping God through it. I’m not always worship-

ing… Sometimes, I’m just having a great time playing bluegrass!

I still struggle with that relationship, but I can tell you with firm certainty

that when I am performing parts of Handel’s “Messiah”, or most any of Bach’s

works, I know in my heart I am worshiping God in the purest possible form that I

am capable of offering.

I am moved (sometimes inconveniently to near tears) by the experience be-

cause my playing is the very best possible gift I can give to God. Is it worship be-

cause it’s Handel or Bach? I’m not sure. Perhaps. But if so, it’s not worship of the

music or composer, but worship of God who gave those Masters their incredible

gift. A gift that they in turn gave to the world as their own offering to God in wor-

ship.

Handel composed “Messiah” in 24 days. He believed he had truly been in-

spired by God during his writing, and he knew he had a masterpiece on his hands.

But he deflected that self-realization of his own brilliance right back to God. At

the end of his manuscript of “Messiah”, Handel wrote the letters "SDG"—Soli

Deo Gloria, "To God alone the glory".

I’m happy seeking to worship God as I sing hymns in the pew with my

family, but my heart REALLY sings when I can offer my best talent to Him.

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given.

Now that’s what we should all sing (and play!) about!

H a l l e l u j a h B y B o b b y S a i n t

“HALLELUJAH”! This chorus to Handel's oratorio “Messiah” has

been Christmas to me for many, many years. It is the one song that fills my

heart so full of emotion that I fear it will burst one day. But oh, what a way

to go!

This is the gut-busting, mega grandiose, as-full-of-happiness-as-one-

can-muster-up anthem for singing praises to our Creator: praises for His

sending the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings! And He didn’t just send

Jesus for a visit. It was forever and ever and ever! Hallelujah."

I have sung these praises since my youth at FBC, and I look forward

to Christmas each year so I can hear and sing them every day, ushering in

the season to celebrate Christ’s birth and marvel in the magnitude of God’s

gift.

My most exciting experience I have had with “Hallelujah” was when

I first saw the cross emerging from the Living Christmas Tree. Chills.

Tears. Heart-pounding emotions erupting from my soul! He is holy! It had

never and could never fill my heart with more praise. Or so I thought. My

first year singing in the Living Christmas Tree was so exciting but I was

partially filled with disappointment when I realized that I would not be able

to see the Cross when the “Hallelujah” chorus was sung. But the Lord,

knowing the passion that fills my heart when that Cross eases into sight,

blessed me that night. As we began singing and the audience was standing,

I looked upward to the balcony and there, reflected in the sound booth

glass, was the Cross! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Amen!

“Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude,

the roar of rushing waters and

like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

Hallelujah!

For our Lord God Almighty reigns.”

Revelation 19:6

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S i n g i n g i n D a r k n e s s B y H o p e M a c k e y

John 1:4-5

“In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

The light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness has not overcome it.”

I can vividly remember a season of darkness Jamie and I experienced after

praying and hoping for children for so long. Even typing that sentence takes me

back to some of the darkest days of my life. Loss, despair and hopelessness

seemed to lurk at every corner when we were praying and trying so hard. We

had been at First Baptist less than a year, still without children or the hope of chil-

dren, when Pastor Hull preached a sermon one December that altered my life dra-

matically. In his sermon he talked about the fact that the baby – the Christ child –

came to us at night, in darkness. The words of his sermon were like a spiritual

lifeline to my hurting soul. I remember him saying, ‘In the darkness of life, a Sav-

ior has emerged.’ I was never the same. My hurt did not end immediately, nor

did my desire to have a child go away, but my perspective on darkness, and what

God can do and did in the darkness gave my heart reason to sing again, both liter-

ally and figuratively. I had been mouthing hymns and praise songs for over a

year, with little to no joy backing them up. I finally realized in that moment that

God can and will meet me in the darkness. Obviously according to scripture, we

have no definitive idea of the actual time of day Jesus was born, yet according to

the text surrounding the shepherds, we know He was found in the darkness of the

night.

When we think of the Christmas season, no one wants to think of dark-

ness. No one thinks anyone should be without hope or despair during the holi-

days. With the lights, the activities, the parties, and the shopping, most people

think everyone should find a reason to rejoice. Unfortunately, Christmas is hard

for many people. I hope you are not one of them, but I felt especially compelled

to write to you if you are finding yourself in a difficult season of life this Christ-

mas. Our Savior, who came in darkness years ago, wants to come into your life

and meet you. He conquered the darkness before and He will conquer darkness

again, both in your life and at the end of this life.

Pray that you will allow the Savior to emerge in your life in the midst of

your darkness. If you find yourself in a season of great light, spend some time

praying for a friend you know who is living in darkness right now.

A n d o n E a r t h p e a c e , g o o d w i l l t o w a r d m e n . B y M i k e T h o m p s o n The date was December 6, 1997 and it is a day that I think of often as I watch both

my boys grow up. It was a cold winter Saturday that started out like a typical hectic pre-

Christmas weekend. My wife had gone with her friend Debbie to sell Beanie Babies and my

parents had come over that afternoon to help me take care of my oldest son Adam who was

only three and was sick with a cold and fever.

About an hour after my parents had arrived, as I went in another room, I heard my

Mom scream out my Father's name. I knew from the sound of her voice that something was

terribly wrong. I ran to the living room where they were and saw my father holding Adam.

Adam was shaking uncontrollably and his eyes had drawn up in his head. It was the saddest

feeling I have ever had and also one of the times in my life that I was truly scared.

Without even thinking I screamed out to my parents to get in the car and let's go to

the Emergency Room. We left our home with my father carrying Adam, my mother driving

and me, without any shoes on, in the backseat. I carried Adam into the ER and handed him

over to a nurse and a doctor. Adam had had a fever seizure where his fever spiked up several

degrees in a very short time. He had another one as the doctor and nurse were carrying him

back to the treatment area. I called my wife Cindy and she immediately came and joined us

at the ER. The thoughts that went through my mind in the time he was being treated were all

over the place. They ranged from, "Please God don't let him die" to "This is not fair God,

don't allow this to happen". I felt so scared and so shaken. I just couldn't believe it hap-

pened. I started to remember that Jesus has promised us that He would never leave us

(Matthew 28:20) and I remembered studying the book of Job and all the things that happened

to Job that he never stopped loving the Lord and always knew in the end that God was his

Redeemer (Job 19:25-26).

The doctors came out within 20 minutes and told us what had happened and

calmed us all down by telling us that it was a common thing and that Adam was most likely

going to be fine. We spent the night at the ER with him and he got to come home Sunday

morning. The greatest lesson I learned was my sons are my greatest gift on Earth from God

along with my wife. I can only imagine how God Himself must have felt as He gave His Son

up for the whole World as a payment for Sin. Sometimes we forget until we are put in a

situation where we might lose a loved one. I would like to say that something really wonder-

ful happened that night at the ER. I got to know a great friend of my family in Mrs. Pam

McDaniel. Pam spent her whole Saturday evening at the hospital with us. She prayed with

us and really ministered to us in a time of need. She and her husband Gregg and their family

are very special to us. Our private physician and a great Christian man, Dr. Butch Kinzer,

was out of town, but we met his assistant, Dr. Michael Honeywell, who spent his whole Sat-

urday night with us too and didn't have to. God provides for the people that He loves

through other great Christian people.

As Christmas approaches I am happy to say that my son Adam is 17 years old and

he is not only a fine young man but he is my best friend. I love him and cherish him daily

and I will never forget that day 14 years ago when I could have easily lost him. I am so

proud to have him and very blessed to have another son, Parker, who is 9, and my wonderful

wife Cindy. At this time I am reminded of Luke 2:14, "Glory to God in the highest, and on

Earth peace, good will toward men."

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E x p r e s s i b l e J o y B y J e r e m y W i l k e r s o n

“At the sound of Mary’s greeting,

Elizabeth’s child leaped within her,

and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Elizabeth gave a glad cry

and exclaimed to Mary,

‘God has blessed you above all women,

and your child is blessed.’”

Luke 1:41-42 (NLT)

Have you ever been so exciting that shouting could not express your

joy? Maybe even singing was not sufficient. But have you ever been so ex-

cited that you felt like dancing? Believe it or not, the Bible is full of stories

about people who were so excited by what God was doing that it led them to

dancing.

In the Book of Luke, a young woman named Mary, who had been

chosen by God to bring forth the Messiah, is visiting her cousin, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth is also with child. Her child would become the one the Old Testa-

ment prophets foretold would proceed and prepare the way for the coming

Messiah. God’s spirit was greatly at work in the lives of both of these

women.

Scripture says as Mary greeted her cousin, Elizabeth’s baby leaped for

joy. You see, Mary was carrying the Messiah, the Christ - the One who was

coming to Redeem mankind. For this child was bringing about a new day

that would bring change to the hearts of men and women all over the world.

So, upon encountering the Spirit of God, Elizabeth’s babe began to dance at

the excitement and joy of it all.

Do you remember the joy and excitement when you first experienced

the Spirit of God in your life? Did you want to shout about it? Sing about?

Dance about it? This Advent season, remember that we celebrate the birth of

the Messiah, our Salvation and our Redemption. Songs are an appropriate

response. Shouts are an appropriate response. And sometimes, dancing is an

appropriate response to the One who brings about our Salvation.

R e j o i c e B y J a m i e M a c k e y

Growing up in a church that neither observed Advent nor sang Advent

hymns meant that we would always go straight into Christmas carols. I’m

like any person that fully enjoys sings the carols of “Joy to the World,”

“Silent Night,” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”

It was in college that I first heard of Advent and the notion that we

must prepare for the coming of the Christ Child and anticipate his second

coming. I was introduced to the carol “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” The

movement of this hymn intrigued me because stanzas before the chorus are

almost like a dirge. They sound mournful with a slight sign of hope within

them. Then comes the chorus, “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to

thee, O Israel!”

Hope bursts forth from the longing and wanting of the Messiah. The

ransom captives mourning turns to rejoicing. The gloomy clouds of night are

dispersed. Envy, strife and quarrels cease as whole world is filled with

heaven’s peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Huntsville!

Life can weigh us down. The demands of work, school, family, and

just life itself make our days seem gloomy void of joy. We go from one thing

to another. The irony to life is that we can fill our lives with many associates

and “friends” but still feel as if we are exiles moving through this world.

Read Luke 1:26-56.

Just as the angel’s message of hope and promise to Mary caused her to

burst forth into song, may the joy of God come to us this Advent. May the

Christ Child Jesus – Emmanuel come us. May we live fully in the joy of

God and in the joy of God’s community.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

Thur

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Friday, Decem

ber 9, 2011

A M o t h e r ’ s H e a r t B y J a m i e R i c h a r d s o n

Ephesians 6:19-20

Speak to one another with psalms,

hymns and spiritual songs.

Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of

our Lord Jesus Christ.

I was about 4 months pregnant with our son when I sang on the Liv-

ing Christmas Tree for the first time. The theme that year was “The Night of

the Child” and for the first time I physically and emotionally realized that

Mary had been pregnant with Jesus! Duh! I know, it sounds obvious, doesn’t

it? But somehow, being pregnant myself, I felt closer to the mother of our

Savior than ever. Maybe it was the morning sickness that lasted until eve-

ning, but I think it was one way for God to nestle me in just a little more to

His total love. I realized that not only did God’s son die, but Mary’s son died

as well. My heart ached for her. I shed tears every time one of the girls acted

out the part of the program where Mary was alone with her newborn son,

her Savior. I felt so close to Mary. I wanted to sing those sweet lullabies

with her and spend just a little while with Jesus before giving Him to His

purpose. My heart would nearly burst when we would sing “That Night” for

I would try my best to picture God holding His breath, waiting for that mo-

ment when His Son would cry out and when it happened, how all of His

creation exploded into song! And God rejoiced even though He knew what

was to come for Jesus! It is such an overwhelming thought for me!

How can we do anything thing but sing praise and

thanksgiving and love songs to Go? He willingly gave us what we don’t de-

serve? what I would never give? His son. Let’s sing and make music in our

hearts to Him and rejoice for we are His because of the Son who came and

will come again!

Friday, Decem

ber 9, 2011

A M o t h e r ’ s H e a r t B y J a m i e R i c h a r d s o n

Ephesians 6:19-20

Speak to one another with psalms,

hymns and spiritual songs.

Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of

our Lord Jesus Christ.

I was about 4 months pregnant with our son when I sang on the Liv-

ing Christmas Tree for the first time. The theme that year was “The Night of

the Child” and for the first time I physically and emotionally realized that

Mary had been pregnant with Jesus! Duh! I know, it sounds obvious, doesn’t

it? But somehow, being pregnant myself, I felt closer to the mother of our

Savior than ever. Maybe it was the morning sickness that lasted until eve-

ning, but I think it was one way for God to nestle me in just a little more to

His total love. I realized that not only did God’s son die, but Mary’s son died

as well. My heart ached for her. I shed tears every time one of the girls acted

out the part of the program where Mary was alone with her newborn son,

her Savior. I felt so close to Mary. I wanted to sing those sweet lullabies

with her and spend just a little while with Jesus before giving Him to His

purpose. My heart would nearly burst when we would sing “That Night” for

I would try my best to picture God holding His breath, waiting for that mo-

ment when His Son would cry out and when it happened, how all of His

creation exploded into song! And God rejoiced even though He knew what

was to come for Jesus! It is such an overwhelming thought for me!

How can we do anything thing but sing praise and

thanksgiving and love songs to Go? He willingly gave us what we don’t de-

serve? what I would never give? His son. Let’s sing and make music in our

hearts to Him and rejoice for we are His because of the Son who came and

will come again!

I L o v e C h r i s t m a s M u s i c B y B e v e r l y B r o w n

Sing songs from your heart to Christ.

Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song

to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:19-20

(The Message)

Don’t you just love Christmas music? I do! My family has always enjoyed

music. My sister, Nannette, and I took piano lessons as children, and our parents

patiently endured the painful attempts as we played our first carols. You know

what I’m talking about: playing with one hand, starting over each time we made a

mistake while everyone is still trying to sing along. We sang in children’s choirs in

church and played in our high school bands where we participated in the Christ-

mas parades and concerts. Family members and I have sung on the Living Christ-

mas Tree. One of my most precious memories is playing carols and hymns at my

parents’ home and my mother and father singing along. Christmas music has

played an important part of our lives.

I must embarrassingly confess that over the years I have accumulated over

seventy five Christmas compact discs. There are country, classic, jazz, big band,

children’s, instrumental…I think you get the idea. I love Christmas music! It’s not

the genre that’s important; it’s the message. There is pure joy in the story of

Christ’s birth no matter what the delivery.

As believers, we sing praises to our Savior who came in human form to of-

fer us the gift of eternal life. Our hearts should fill with joy as we remember what

Christ has done for us and fill us with anticipation of the things still to come. Do

you have a favorite carol or hymn? I encourage you to sing it this season as an of-

fering, a gift to our Father.

Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown

when Thou camest to earth for me.

But in Bethlehem’s home there was found

no room for Thy holy nativity.

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus:

there is room in my heart for Thee.

When the heavens shall ring and the angels sing at

Thy coming to victory, let Thy voice call me home, saying,

“Yet there is room. There is room at my side for thee.”

And my heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,

when Thou comest and callest me.

~Emily E.S. Elliot

Satu

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2011

Sunday, Decem

ber 11, 2011

M y N e w C h r i s t m a s F a v o r i t e B y F r a n W i l s o n

Music has always been a source of joy and inspiration for me year

round and especially at Christmas. When I was a sophomore in college, I

had the privilege of singing in my first presentation of “The Messiah.” Our

college choir sang with full orchestra and paid professional soloists. The so-

loists were outstanding and sang with such passion that the whole experi-

ence was very moving for me, and I have been hooked on that music ever

since. Soon after that I ordered a “record” of “The Messiah” by the Mor-

mon Tabernacle Choir. For years I would begin playing that early in the

Christmas season and relish those beautiful sounds and words of promise,

fulfillment and hope for the future over and over again.

December 11, 1992, was Friday of The Tree. About 10:00 a.m. that

morning I received a message that my 55 year old husband Joe was found

dead that morning from what appeared to be a massive heart attack. He had

been in Washington, D. C., all week expected home that evening. My world

entered a giant pause! During this strange holiday season as I tried to sort

through my new reality, God added a new song to my Christmas repertoire,

not one I considered special Christmas music at all. During the day my

house was bustling with friends and family surrounding me with love and

care. But in the night time it was just God and I when sleep was elusive and

my head was swirling to take it all in. When it all seemed too overwhelming

to process, often the first two phrases of an old song, music and all, would

dance through my mind. “Oh, God, our help in ages past; our hope for years

to come.” God seemed to be whispering tenderly to me, “My child, remem-

ber My faithfulness to you in the past. You can still trust Me! I am your hope

for the future.” That reminder of God’s faithfulness and promise of hope for

the future brought wonderful peace to my troubled soul, and that song be-

came a new Christmas and “all year” favorite.

Perhaps your hope has evaporated or dropped a level recently through

unexpected changes in your life. Won’t you tune in to my “new” Christmas

favorite and be reminded of God’s faithfulness and the hope He wants to

give you? Also let your heart absorb these reassuring words from Romans

15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in

Him; so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

M e r r y C h r i s t m a s B y R u b y D a n g

“Merry Christmas” – That is the wish I hear and see everywhere when

Christmas season comes. However, I had not understood why Christmas was

the day to be happy and merry until I had an opportunity to live in a good

Christian Community. When I was in Vietnam, I did not have any special feel-

ing for Christmas because I was a non-believer. Back in those days, Christmas

was just a day for me to hang out with friends. Things have changed so much

since I came to America in August 2010. I am blessed to be able to live in a

very kind Christian family and am learning so many good things about God. I

had my very first Christmas celebration last year and I was so excited about it.

It appeared to me that Christmas is the day for the gifts under the tree, the

lights in the windows, turkey dinners with family, snow in the yard and stock-

ings hanging in the living room. That was the only reason I extremely enjoyed

Christmas last year.

However, my feeling for this Christmas is totally different because now

I understand that Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the

Son of God. I feel very grateful for His presence in my life. He is the motiva-

tion for me to live a better life since He died on the cross for all of my sins.

My life has become better and better since the day I knew who Christ was. As

a new Christian, I believe that no matter what may be happening, God will

save and protect me since I am His child. Living with that belief, I feel more

confident in my life. This Christmas will be the first time since I invited Jesus

into my heart. It is going to be the most special moment that I will never for-

get in my life. At the moment, my heart is singing the song “Silent Night”.

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs because of its mild melody.

“Silent Night, Holly Night, All is calm, All is bright”…Whenever these lyrics

resound, all of my anxiety and fatigue seems to disappear. Through this song,

I would like to show my love and gratitude to the Lord for the great joy and

peace that He has brought to my life.

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40:3

Mon

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Tuesday, D

ecember 13, 20

11

A P u r e G i f t B y J e f f S p a r k s

The Christmas season often feels like a hassle, a time when we drive

from store to store, stand in long lines, or spend hours online looking for

that perfect gift. Even the most cheerful giver soon becomes stressed and

desperate. Somewhere along the way our joy begins to wane. But the act of

gift-giving at its most pure is the heart of Christmas. In finding a gift, we try

to think about our loved one’s interests, or special times we’ve had with

them in the past year. They may even have a need we could meet. Because

we love them we try to choose a gift that shows we value our relationship,

that we’ve been paying attention. At Christmas, we are reminded that our

heavenly Father has been paying attention, and His gift to us of salvation is

just what we needed. We were lonely, worried, and afraid. God, in His

mercy, gave us a companion, a confidant, and a fortress to protect us. Jesus’

birth is a sign that God loves us, His creation, and that He wants nothing

more than to have a relationship with us. The celebration of Christmas each

year is way for us to acknowledge the grace God demonstrated in providing

the opportunity for salvation in His son, Jesus Christ.

A child has been born to us;

God has given a son to us.

He will be responsible for leading the people.

His name will be Wonderful Counselor,

Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever,

Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

The Christmas season is perhaps the most appropriate time to com-

mit to renewing our relationship with our Savior. Consider the needs the gift

of salvation has met in your life. In the same way, think about how you felt

when the face of your loved one lit up when they unwrapped that special

something you put so much time into. Our heavenly Father is waiting for us

to enjoy His perfect plan for our lives. The response of our hearts this

Christmas will be songs of praise and thanksgiving for the Creator of the

universe who wants to love us and call us His own. What a gift!

E m m a n u e l , G o d W i t h U s B y L i s a F e l d e r

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is,

God with us.”

Matthew 1:23

Music is such a special part of my celebration of Christmas. The carols

and songs bring such joy and excitement as we celebrate the birth of our Sav-

ior. A special theme that rings through the familiar carols and songs is the

word faithfulness. God proved His faithfulness to us by sending a Savior to

the world to save us from our sins. I am reminded that His faithfulness con-

tinues and endures until the end. I have truly experienced this faithfulness on

my journey through life. God has always provided His presence and strength

to carry me through the tough times. How thankful I am that I never have to

walk alone!

The lyrics of the song that Steven Curtis Chapman recorded, “Our God

Is With Us”, will ring in my heart this Christmas as I celebrate the wonderful

gift of God’s son and His faithfulness to me.

Our God is with us, Emmanuel,

He’s come to save us, Emmanuel,

And we will never face life alone

Now that God has made Himself known,

As Father and Friend, with us through the end,

Emmanuel.

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Thursday, D

ecember 15, 20

11

M y H e a r t S h a l l S i n g B y A m y K e a r n e y

An important part of Advent for me is the Living Christmas Tree. I

will be in the audience for at least one performance. It is a time to worship

and be amazed. I remember the wonder and joy my children had when they

first saw the giant tree light up. I immediately liked the theme for the tree

this year because it is my heart that MUST sing. Many of you know I can’t

carry a tune, so singing in my heart is the way to go.

Probably my most favorite Christmas song is one we rarely sing.

“There’s a song in the air, there’s a star in the sky. There’s a mother’s deep

prayer, and a baby’s low cry.….” What a most amazing gift God gave us

when He sent His son to us as a baby. Holding a first grandchild, hearing

your daughter say, she had never imagined the joy she could feel over their

baby, helps me to realize what a precious gift we were given at Christmas.

The song Christians sing in their hearts comes from the love we know be-

cause of Jesus our savior. Our hearts can sing at Christmas time because we

see the extent of God’s love for us. For God so loved that he sent his son…

as a baby. ..

My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all

my soul. Psalm 108:1

M y J o y a n d M y S o n g B y L u c y G l o v e r

“We sing in gratitude for the day

that has been and the day that is to come.”

I have been blessed with many joyous occasions in my life, but never so

much as the births of my four grandchildren. Their birthdays were four of the

happiest days of my life. I am sure many of you relate to this. Oh, how we tried to

provide for their every need…comfortable beds, soft clothes, and just the right

bottle. It was so much fun! As the years go by, it is a wonderful gift to see them

grow, learn and experience life as only a child can! Such wonder, such delight in

even the least of things… like bugs!!! This experience truly makes my heart sing

with joy…thank you, God, for the most treasured gift of grandchildren!

During this season of joy, I cannot think of their beginnings without

comparing it to the beginnings of the baby Jesus. I am very sure Mary and Joseph

wanted to provide the very best for their child too. As it happened, though, he had

only manger full of straw for a bed. Mary might have been very confused. Her

Son was the Messiah. Is this what God planned? But then, the Christ Child’s

Heavenly Father sent angels to sing and a beautiful star to shine. Wow, now that is

a beautiful birthday! What an amazing day that must have been for them. That day

long ago, the day that has been, was the birthday of the King of Kings, the Lord of

Lords, the Prince of Peace! My heart joins with yours to sing the beautiful songs

of the season!

There were times in my life when presents were pretty important. The one

doll we were given during the year appeared under the tree on Christmas Day. Oh

my, how special they were…even to this day! But now, I find more joy in giving

than receiving! Yes, you do finally get to that point in life! One of the highlights

of the season for me is to share the Christmas story with my grandchildren. I want

them to know why we give gifts and the real reason for the season. As their

understanding grows, I look forward to a very special time in their life and that is

when they will come to know Jesus as Savior. After all, the greatest gift of all is

the gift of our salvation. Mercy, grace and peace are ours because Jesus died for

us! Jesus loves me and that makes my heart sing!

Well, what about the day to come? In Titus 2:13, it says that “we wait for

the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus

Christ who gave himself for us...” He is coming again! Not as a baby, but as

King! Those who believe in Him will be with Him always in Heaven! I want my

family there! I want you there! I want everybody there!

On that day, He will turn our wailing into dancing, He will cloth us with joy

instead of sackcloth, our hearts will sing and not be silent, and we will give Him

praise forever (Psalm 30:11-12). This makes my heart sing!

Frid

ay,

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Saturday, Decem

ber 17, 2011

O u r S e n t i n e l s L i f t U p T h e i r V o i c e s B y E u g e n i a G r a v e s

Isaiah 52:7-9

How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,

who brings good news, who announces salvation,

who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

Listen!!

Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy;

for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion.

Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem;

for the Lord has comforted his people,

he has redeemed Jerusalem.

As a child, I looked forward to Christmas with a child’s understand-

ing—expecting gifts, good food, laughter, fun, and family all around. As I

grew-up and started my own family, my understanding of Christmas

enlarged to encompass a much deeper knowledge of the “BEST” gift of all

to the world and to me personally—Jesus. In Jesus, peace came to my heart

especially as we celebrated Christmas. Now, as I am growing older and I can

not sing in tune with my voice but I can sing in my heart. I am comforted

knowing that Jesus knows the way and is with me every step of my onward

journey. Each year Christmas celebration starts for me as our Sentinels (The

Living Christmas Tree) lift their voices to welcome the ONE who brings

peace, joy, love, and salvation both now and forever.

A S p e c i a l C h r i s t m a s M e m o r y M a k e s M y H e a r t S i n g B y D e b b i e H o w a r d

My maternal grandfather was a very special person in my life. He loved me

unconditionally and would always patiently answer all my childish questions. He

was a minister who studied, loved and lived by God’s Word.

I looked forward to Christmas Eve as much as I did Christmas Day. My

granddaddy never did any Christmas shopping before Christmas Eve. He would

pick me up so I could be his helper. About 3:00 pm, he and I would arrive at the

one clothing store he frequented. We were there to buy my grandmother a new

Sunday dress for his annual Christmas gift to her. It was always a shade of blue

because it was his favorite color on her. My assignment was to make sure it was-

n’t the same color or style as the year before but he always made the final deci-

sion.

The only other gifts my granddaddy would purchase were candy for the

grandchildren. It made me feel special to help him select what my cousins would

get. He didn’t let me see what I would receive.

After we finished shopping, we would go to my grandparents’ house where

the entire family would gather for a delicious dinner. We would gather in the liv-

ing room after dinner. My granddaddy would take his big, much used Scofield

Bible and turn to Luke 2. As he read in his pleasing voice, I could see word pic-

tures in my mind: a very tired and discouraged Mary as she sat on the donkey

wondering where they would stay, Joseph as he tried to find a place for them to

stay and a sweet, innocent baby’s bed that had to be made in the manager where

the animals ate. I could picture the shepherds and sheep very surprised by a heav-

enly light and angels who sang, the shepherds following the angels’ instructions

and finding the baby and his parents and the shepherds leaving and telling every-

one they met about the special baby.

After he finished reading, Granddaddy would lead us in prayer. He always

thanked God for the best gift ever given – Jesus Christ. He would then ask that all

his family would come to know Christ and follow Him all their lives.

As we read the Christmas story each year in our home, I hear my grand-

daddy’s voice. My heart sings as I remember this special gift. I thank God for the

many years I heard His word read by my granddaddy.

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ

the Lord.”

Luke 2:11

Sund

ay,

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T h e B l e s s i n g o f a H o l y N i g h t L o n g A g o B y J i m a n d P a t t y A t h e r t o n

When Frenchman Placide Cappeau de Ruguemaure wrote the words

to “O Holy Night” in 1847 he had no idea those words would resonate in

the hearts of millions in the twenty firstcentury. His Parish Priest requested

he write a poem for the Christmas Eve service in his church and this poem

was the result of his inspiration. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus our

hearts are touched by the words to this beautiful hymn that was set to music

composed by Adolphe Charles Adams a few years later.

As Jim and I anticipate the Christmas season we are reminded even

more of the gift of the Holy Child on that Holy Night who came to earth

with a mission. We know that Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature and in fa-

vor with God and man” (Luke 2:52) and He went about doing the will of

the Father during His earthly ministry. In the New Testament we read and

are awed by the miracles He performed. We realize that the main miracle

we see, however, is how His message changed the hearts of men and

women then and how it continues to do the same today. We are commanded

in Matthew 28:18-20 to share this Good News to others all around the

world.

The Christmas song that causes Jim’s heart to sing is one

written by Mark Lowry called “Mary Did You Know?” As we listen to the

words of this song we have a mental picture of Mary holding her baby in

her arms and looking into His face pondering His fuure. The angel had told

her that He would be called “The Son of the Most High” and that “His

Kingdom would last forever”. But how could she have known the sacrifice

He would make in order for us to have eternal life? What a sacrifice. What

a gift.

Jesus has taught us so many lessons in the Scripture and according to

1 Corinthians “the greatest of these is love.” Two lines in the carol “O Holy

Night” says “Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and

His Gospel is peace”. During these days those two lines should encourage

each one of us to love others more and to do all we can to be peacemakers

in a troubled world.

Monday, D

ecember 19, 20

11

Tues

day,

Dec

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r 20

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G r e a t T h i n g s H e H a s D o n e B y G a y l a K i d d

Being Director of Huntsville Assistance Program (HAP) is a wonder-

ful blessing and awesome responsibility. I thank God daily for entrusting

this ministry to me. We are your home town Missionaries who are commis-

sioned to bring God's message and to serve his people. I like to refer to us

as "trench workers". We are in a position of make a profound difference in

the lives of all who come to HAP both in a positive and negative way. We

pray ardently that it always be in a positive way. When we see so many

people, especially the young, who have set their standards so low and never,

strive to be all they can be, it drives us to work harder to bring hope and

God's blessing to them. The song that most inspires me is "To God Be The

Glory". While this may not be a typical Christmas carol to me it exemplifies

why we do what we do, to bring glory to God.

“The Lord has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy.”

Psalm 126:3

Wednesday, D

ecember 21, 20

11

M y H e a r t S i n g s W i t h J o y B y P a u l A l l i s o n

Psalm 92:4b

“I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.”

Psalm 132:9b

“And let your godly ones sing for joy.

Revelation 5:9-10

“And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals,

because You were slain, and with Your blood

you purchased for God persons

from every tribe and language and people and nation.

You have made them to be a kingdom

and priests to serve our God,

and they will reign on the earth.”

As I reflect upon the songs that allow my heart to sing, I’m drawn to one of

my favorite hymns, “Blessed Assurance”. As a 16 year old I was in church on

that beginning Sunday of our August revival. As I sang with the congregation

“Blessed Assurance Jesus is mine”, I realized that Jesus was not mine because I

had never repented and asked Jesus into my heart. I walked the aisle that night

and asked Jesus to come into my heart and save me. “Blessed assurance Jesus is

mine a foretaste of glory divine.” The joy and assurance that Jesus was mine be-

sieged me that night and crammed my heart with a song.

Joy to the world a savior is born causes my heart to sing for joy. I did not

know the joy that Jesus brings into the lives of those who accept Him as Savior

and Lord. I have His blessed assurance that I am a child of the living God des-

tined to serve Him and to reign with Him forever. You see God has made a way

for me to experience joy beyond any I have ever known. This joy was made pos-

sible through great suffering. God sent his only Son, Jesus Christ into the world

as a human being like you and me to live a perfect life, a life that he then traded

for death on a cross.

My heart sings of the day I was saved and continues to sing the praises of

joy and assurance. The music of the Living Christmas Tree causes my heart to

sing praises to the One who brought the greatest gift of Christmas to the

World. When God puts a song in your heart you can sing in times of great joy or

in the midnight times of your life. One day I will sing a new song!

M y M o u t h S h a l l S i n g … B y K r i s t i n W i l k e r s o n

I’m married to a musician so music is all around me all of the time.

The radio is always on in the car, my husband is constantly tapping his foot

to some rhythm in his head, and we typically start listening to Christmas or

Easter music at least four to six months in advance. Because I am sur-

rounded by so much music, I can grow accustomed to singing the same song

over and over again without really thinking about what I’m singing. I’m

even guilty of singing a song in church without really thinking about what

I’m saying. I would speculate that for most of us it’s easy to sing with our

mouths, regardless of what we sound like. Each Sunday, we follow the

words on the screen or in the hymnal and if we’re not careful, our mouths

sing but our hearts are prone to wander.

Recently, I’ve been challenged to stop and think about what I’m sing-

ing – whether at church, in the car, or elsewhere. When I stop and ponder on

the words to any given song, my face cannot help but reflect on what my

mind is thinking and what my heart is feeling. This Christmas season, per-

haps we can all challenge ourselves to stop and reflect on the words that we

sing so that our hearts can truly sing of the day that Christ’s brings.

Psalm 57:7

“My heart, O God, is steadfast,

my heart is steadfast;

I will sing and make music.”

Thur

sday

, D

ecem

ber

22,

2011

Friday, Decem

ber 23, 2011

S e e k i n g W o n d e r B y S a r a h L e f f e l

About three weeks ago, while reading the book “The Ragamuffin

Gospel” with my discipleship group, I started to pray, “Lord let me see your

wonder. I want to be in AWE of who You are and the power that You have.”

I felt that sometimes I was not stunned or transformed by His mighty power.

I continued to pray this while going about my week. At the end of the week,

I was left confused. I felt like nothing extraordinary had happened. In my

mind, when I prayed this prayer, I would see a beautiful sunset or a powerful

thunderstorm, but that was not how He revealed himself to me this time. In-

stead, when I looked back on the week, I realized that they Lord had brought

PEOPLE into my life. Peers that I had never talked to before, or thought I

was too good for, God gently pushed into my life. These people were treas-

ured just as much as I was and were part of His creation.

Abba brought Jesus, His creation and treasured Son, into the world,

and into my heart. My heart sings wonder and amazement at Christmas

time. It sings with thankfulness that the Lord found me and you with ALL of

our flaws. It sings with thankfulness that the Lord let His son be tortured,

mocked, scorned and crucified. I hope that this Christmas you can seek the

wonder that I have seen and experienced. I hope you let Him mold you this

Christmas!

Have Thine Own Way Lord!

Have Thine own way!

Thou art the potter; I am the clay.

Mold me and make me after Thy will,

While I am waiting, yielded and still.

A n x i o u s l y E x p e c t i n g B y C h r i s S i m s

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep darkness—

on them light has shined.

Isaiah 9:2

By Christmas Eve, we feel a bit anxious. We have been expectantly

waiting for Christmas Day. Yet by Christmas Eve, anxiety built. As young

children, this is seen around the material aspects of Christmas: what gifts are

underneath the tree? We might have paced around the tree, asking anyone

with a watch what time it was, and wondered if Christmas Day would even

get here. As we get older, we still feel some anxiety: will we make it to our

family gathering on time? Will our food come out correctly? Will those

who we bought gifts for like what they received?

Yet Christmas invites us to be a bit anxious. We are familiar with the

story that we will reenact this evening: Jesus was born in a manger with the

angels singing around him, with Mary and Joseph nearby, and animals all

around. We are also familiar with the ways we celebrate: as families, we

each have our own rituals, and as a church body, we gather together to sing,

pray, and pass the light. Even though we know these things, even though we

know that Jesus is coming, we still have been waiting expectantly for Christ-

mas Day. This waiting invites to even be a little anxious as we long for Je-

sus to come.

Looking at the words of Isaiah, the people have been walking in dark-

ness when they see a great light. These words announce that God is doing a

new thing in the world. God is coming into the world that is seeking a sign

of hope, a sign of peace, and is shining light into that world. This is the

mystery of the incarnation that we celebrate at Christmas—that God is com-

ing in the flesh to the world. The Word became flesh and broke out into the

world.

And yet we wait expectantly to celebrate Christ coming into the world

to fully reveal God to us. We wait a bit anxiously, knowing that He is com-

ing but not here yet. We fill our minds with awe as we see how incompre-

hensible the incarnation is. We wonder when Christ will come again to re-

deem the world. Our waiting invites us to pause, to sing, and reflect on the

mystery of Christmas, the mystery that God came to earth in human form,

that God shines his light into this world.

Satu

rday

, D

ecem

ber

24,

2011

Sunday, Decem

ber 25, 2011

A T w o P o u n d P a c k a g e B y I n g r i d L u n s f o r d

The saying that “good things come in small packages" definitely ap-

plies to the Lunsford Home. On September 8, 2006 we were given a very,

small, wild, black haired package now known as Judd Johnston

Lunsford. This package wasn't due to arrive until December 12th but ar-

rived overnight about 3 months early. What would this package contain? At

first, nothing but fear and worry. Joy was suppressed by anxiety and fear

that the package would be taken away. All I could do was sit by his enclosed

bed and look inside, not able to touch, hold or kiss. Machines beeped and

nurses tiptoed around the room. It was a place of quiet madness.

The Sunday after Judd was born, Dr. Hull preached on a familiar

verse, "Be Still and Know that I am God." A couple of days later, a dear

friend gave me a devotional book to take to the NICU. Guess what the de-

votional passage was? "Be Still and Know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 . . .

. Again and again this verse kept appearing to me. As I sat in the quietness

of the NICU, I understood the verse. That sweet, little baby boy lying so

still was a lesson for me. I was helpless. I was not in control. I grabbed on

to my Savior with desperation and cried out for strength and comfort and

for healing for my precious son.

God sent us a small package that first Christmas morning. However,

if we would take the time to "Be still" and unwrap this free gift, we would

find it is not so small after all. It is the biggest package we will ever re-

ceive. It is a package that contains not a lifetime warranty but an eternal

warranty. A guarantee that if we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we

will spend eternity singing in heaven "Joy to the World." So this Christmas

season, have you unwrapped yours?

A New Beginning

By Jessica Tischler

A b o u t t h e A u t h o r s Paul Allison has been a member for twenty-one years. He currently serves as a

deacon and co-teaches the Journey Sunday School class. He is also a member of

the Personnel Committee and is a Sunday School Director. He is the husband of

Janice Allison.

Jim and Patty Atherton have been members for fifty years. Jim teaches a men’s

Sunday School class and Patty co-teaches a women’s Sunday School class. They

are both involved in Southeast Asia Project and both volunteer with Christian

Women’s Job Corps®. Jim also tutors at Lakewood Elementary School. In addi-

tion, they both work with Missions in West Africa.

Jonathan and Amy Boyd joined in January 2010. They attend the Family Foun-

dations class. They also do Music and Missions on Wednesdays nights and partici-

pate with Serving the City. They have two children Matthew and Zadie.

Beverly Brown has been a member for the past twenty-five years. She is actively

involved as a tutor at Lakewood Elementary School and enjoys the SILK Minis-

try.

Ruby Dang joined First Baptist Huntsville in August 2011. She attends the Cof-

fee Shop Sunday School class and is involved in Forum.

Elaine Dickson has been a member since 1980. She is an in-service

member of the Connections Class and teaches 9th grade Sunday School. She is a

First Fellowship greeter, Worship Care Worker, and Special Ministries worker.

She is the wife of John Dickson and the mother to Jeremy, Christopher, and Pat-

rick Dickson.

Heinrich Dubose-Schmidt has been a member for the past ten years. He is a

Sunday School teacher in the Cornerstone class. He also serves on the Finance

Committee and is a deacon. He is the husband to Tara and the father to Evelyn

and Michaela.

Lisa Felder has been a member for eighteen years. She is a First Fellowship

greeter and a member of the Personnel Committee. She attends the Ladies Sunday

School class. She is the wife of Randy and the mother to Ashley and Chadd

Felder.

Lucy Glover has been a member since 1994. She is in the Explore the Bible Sun-

day School class and participates in the weekly Precept Bible Study. She also is

involved with preschool Worship Care, Prayer Ministry, ministry to Lakewood

Elementary, and is part of the Living Christmas Tree Decoration Committee. She

is married to Paul.

Allen Godwin has been a member for a little over four months. He attends the

Coffee Shop Sunday School class. He is also involved in Sanctuary Choir, Forum,

Missions and serves on the Computer Committee and the Audio/Visual/Media

Team.

John and Diane Gordon have been members for 17 years. John serves as a dea-

con and Diane has taught Sunday School in the Chiildren’s Ministry for many

years. Currently, they are serving together as outreach facilitators in the Family

Foundations Sunday School class. They are the parents to Jimmy and Mary Beth

Gordon.

Eugenia Graves has been a member since 1987. She has been the Faith Commu-

nity Nurse for the past ten years. She serves as an active deacon and is a member

of the Huntsville Association for Pastoral Care Education Committee. She is a

member of the Ladies Sunday School class. She is the wife of Frank Graves.

Elizabeth Hostetter has served on staff at First Baptist Huntsville for the past

three years as Associate Minister of Music/Organist. She is the wife of Wayne

Hostetter.

Debbie Howard has been a member for the past 30 years. She is co-teacher of the

Builders A Sunday School class. She is also a Children’s Bible Drill Leader and

coordinates the school supplies collection. She is the wife of Roger.

Amy Kearney has been a part of First Baptist Huntsville for over 57 years. She is

one of those who came to church before she was born! She teaches second grade

Sunday School and is a member of the College Support Committee. She is the

mother to Caroline Kearney, Michael Kearney, and Rebecca Orton.

Gayla Kidd has been with First Baptist Huntsville for twenty-five years. She at-

tends the Langley Sunday School class. She has been involved with Serving the

City since it began and recently the Church Health Committee.

Sarah Leffel has been an official member of First Baptist for four years, but she

has grown up in this church. She is actively involved in Student Ministry, partici-

pating in Wednesday night Liftoff, Sunday school, and a girl’s discipleship group.

She has traveled to multiple camps, retreats, and several mission trips. She is the

daughter of Brian and Elaine Leffel and the sister to Laura Leffel.

Ingrid Lunsford has been a member for eleven years. She co-teaches the Ladies

Sunday School class and also teaches in Mission Friends on Wednesday nights.

She is the wife of Bill and mother to Luke and Judd Lunsford.

Hope Mackey has been a member for the past 5 ½ years. She is a member of the

Ladies Sunday School class. She also is involved in Worship Care, is a substitute

teacher for the Preschool Ministry, teaches 4th grade GA’s and is a member of the

Discipleship Committee. She is the wife to Jamie and the mother to Cade and

Story Mackey.

Jamie Mackey has been on staff as the Student Minister for the past 5 ½ years.

He loves investing in the lives of students and their families. He is the husband to

Hope and the father to Cade and Story Mackey.

Jamie Richardson has been attending since August 2005 and officially joined in

2009. she is a member of the Connections Sunday School class. She is the coordi-

nator for the MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers) group and teaches in the four year

old music class on Wednesday nights. She is the wife of John and the mother of

Eli Richardson.

Bobby Saint joined First Baptist Huntsville in 1960. He is an in-service member

of the Renaissance Sunday School class and teaches Sunday School in the 9th

Grade. He serves on the Stewardship Committee, is an active deacon, and leads a

small group in the Student Ministry Department on Wednesday nights. He is the

husband to Cherry and the father to Sassy.

Chris Sims grew up in First Baptist Huntsville and has been a member for most

of his life. He is currently involved in teaching the College Sunday School class

and works with the youth group on Wednesday nights. He also participates in Fo-

rum. For the past year a half, he has served as the Christian Life Center Coordina-

tor.

Sarah Sizemore has been a member for seven years. She attends the 11th grade

Sunday School class and participates in many youth activities including choir and

youth band. She is also participating in the Living Christmas Tree this year. She is

the daughter of David and Barbara Sizemore and the sister to Peter.

Jeff Sparks has been a member for seven years. He attends the Cornerstone Sun-

day School class. He is also involved in the Letter Writing Ministry and serves as

an usher. Jeff is married to Lindsey Sparks.

Mike Thompson has been a member since 1994. He has served in the Student

Ministry and with RA’s. He also worked at the CLC from 1991-1998. He is the

husband to Cindy and the father to Adam and Parker Thompson.

Jessica Tischler has been attending for about a year and a half. She is a member

of the Coffee Shop Sunday School class and attends Forum.

Jeremy Wilkerson has served on staff at First Baptist Huntsville since March

2010 as the Contemporary Worship Leader. He leads worship during First Fellow-

ship and also leads the Youth Worship Band. He is the husband to Kristin

Wilkerson.

Kristin Wilkerson has been a member since March 2010. She co-teaches the

Coffee Shop Sunday School class and plays guitar in First Fellowship. She is the

wife to Jeremy Wilkerson.

Fran Wilson has been a member since March of 1984. For most of her Christian

life she has been involved in children’s ministries. More recently her focus has

changed to adult ministry through Stephen Ministry and as co-leader of Grief

Share. She is an active member of the Friendship Sunday School class in the

Builders B Department.

S p e c i a l T h a n k s t o :

Kristin Wilkerson and Susan McClung

for coordinating the writing, compiling and printing

the contents of the 2011 Advent Devotional book.