Posts from December 2021

Posts from December 2021

Committing to a New Year

Weekly Update – December 30th, 2021 A common aspect of beginning a new year is set resolutions.  Many will determine to exercise, eat better, spend less or save more.  But instead of merely setting physical or financial goals this year, why not determine to set spiritual goals as well. With the effects of Covid over the last few years, combined with the hesitancy of many to engage closely with others, it will be helpful to make spiritual goals that consider…

Making the Most Out of Christmas

Weekly Update – December 23rd, 2021 Christmas is almost here.  Some already have family who have come into town, others will connect with family over the weekend and in the few days that follow.  Either way, many of us will have some sort of contact with friends and family members as we get together to share a meal, celebrate the holiday and remember the birth of Christ.  The question that should come to mind is, “How can we make the…

The Hope of Advent

Weekly Update – December 16th, 2021 Typically when the month of December comes around, not only do we think of Christmas, family gatherings and friendships, but if you are anything like me, you also tend to reflect on the year that has just gone by.  The common slogan that you will likely hear at some point during this month is something to the degree of, “How did it get to be December already?” or “Can you believe that it is…

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Weekly Update – December 9th, 2021 The Christmas offering that we as Southern Baptists participate in every year is named in honor of a woman named Lottie Moon.  On July 7, 1873, the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board) of the Southern Baptist Convention appointed her a missionary to China. Lottie spent most of her missionary years in Tengchow and P’ingtu, China where she taught at mission schools and ministered to women. Through having immersed herself in Chinese culture,…

Advent 2021

Weekly Update – December 2nd, 2021 Last week we began the first week of Advent. Traditionally, Christians will remember four weeks of Advent as we look forward to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent means “longing” or “anticipation” for the coming of the Messiah.  It reminds us to look back in joy to the first coming of Christ, but to also look ahead in expectation to his return.  It is a nice contrast to the hustle and…