Our Advent Carol for 2017 See, amid the winter's snow, Born for us on Earth below,
See, the tender Lamb appears, Promised from eternal years. Chorus:
Hail, thou ever blessed morn, Hail redemption's happy dawn, Sing through all Jerusalem, Christ is born in Bethlehem. Lo, within a manger lies He who built the starry skies; He who, throned in height sublime, Sits among the cherubim. Say, ye holy shepherds, say, What your joyful news today; Wherefore have ye left your sheep On the lonely mountain steep? "As we watched at dead of night, Lo, we saw a wondrous light: Angels singing 'Peace On Earth' Told us of the Saviour's birth." Sacred Infant, all divine, What a tender love was Thine, Thus to come from highest bliss Down to such a world as this.
A Word from Travis Collins Senior Pastor For more than two centuries this family of faith—FBC, Huntsville—has prioritized missions. Many of you have heard the story that our church got kicked out of the first Baptist association of which we were members! Baptist churches were popping up across the Tennessee Valley and they formed an Association. We were part of the Flint River Baptist Association when, in the 1830’s, the majority of churches in that association took an antimissions stance. There was a strong anti-missionary movement sweeping Baptists nationally. It was short-lived but it was ferocious. Churches in our area got caught up in it. They embraced a hyper-Calvinism, meaning they believed God had destined certain people for salvation and others for damnation and thus to send missionaries was in violation of the divine plan. Our church and others said Jesus died for everyone and wants everyone to be saved. So we and five other churches were ousted from the Flint River Baptist Association in 1838, because we were guilty of wanting to send missionaries! Well, you hold in your hand the prayerful thoughts of people who are descendants of those mission-minded Baptists. Those who wrote the words you are about to read believe the birth of Jesus changed everything. They believe Jesus is the very incarnation/embodiment of God. They believe his birth launched a revolution of heavenly proportions. As we prepare to celebrate the Lord’s birth, let’s read these devotions with a renewed commitment to the Great Commission. Let’s remember the words of Jesus during his first appearance to his friends after his resurrection: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
The Living Christmas Tree 2017
See, the Tender Lamb Appears Guest Artist, Steve Amerson, “America’s Tenor” December 14-17, 2017 2017 PRESENTATIONS Thursday, December 14, 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 15, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 16, 11:00 a.m. “A Tree for the Children”
Saturday, December 16, 4:30 p.m. Saturday, December 16, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 17, 3:00 p.m. Abridged Living Christmas Tree with highlights from this year’s Tree
Sunday, December 17, 5:30 p.m.
Christmas and Missions Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and Global Missions Offering The World Missions 2017 Goal for First Baptist is $120,000. You will have an envelope in your giving packet for both the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering which is part of the Southern Baptist Convention Mission effort and the Global Missions Offering envelope which supports Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Missions. Please give generously to these important funding agencies of world missions. Operation Christmas Child Our First Baptist Packing Party on November 4 had approximately 150 people packing shoeboxes to go to children overseas with the gospel message. Each child that receives a shoe box hears the gospel and annually around 2,000,000 children accept Christ into their lives. This year at the Packing Party 1,734 shoe boxes were lovingly filled with toys, educational supplies, hygiene articles, and sports items. During the Collection Week, November 13 – 20, over 225 volunteers received 13,698 shoe boxes from churches, groups, and individuals. That represents 13,698 times the gospel was presented to children and their families. There is no other mission effort that reaches that many children and their families. The overall OCC goal around the world was 12,000,000 boxes. The final count on shoe boxes from First Baptist Huntsville was 2,333, an increase of three fold over last year. We estimate our volunteers gave over 1,125 hours to this effort. And there is no way to estimate how many hours were spent in shopping and finding just the right items to place in the shoe boxes.
Thank you for your time and effort for the Kingdom!
Sunday, December 3 The First Sunday of Advent Neal Hadaway Theme: Hope - Galatians 4:4
In the Fullness of Time God has a plan, and He’s never late. Ever since the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve ‘jumped’ from God’s grace into the wasteland of rebellion, God had the dilemma of bringing the broken human race back into perfect fellowship with Him. But how could He satisfy His perfect love (desire to save us) without violating His perfect justice (sin must be paid for by death)? How could sin-dead mankind appear before a holy God without immediately being consumed? God outlined His plan over the centuries through the prophets: It would be a Child of the woman who would crush Satan’s head (Gen. 3:15); Through the Seed of Abraham all the families of the world would be blessed (Gen. 12:3; Gal. 3:16); God would provide the Lamb which would be the substitute sacrifice (Gen. 22); The believers would need to act in obedience to apply the blood of the sacrifice as a sign of their faith (Exodus 12); This Shepherd-King would come from the family of David and rule forever (2 Samuel 7); Isaiah told us this Immanuel would be born of a virgin (7:14), a holy child called Prince of Peace and Mighty God (9:6), who would bear our sins and willingly give His life to justify many (chapter 53); Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29) and gives eternal life (John 3:16). Hope is trusting God with my future. The Son came that we may be adopted as God’s children, indwelt by his Spirit and coheirs with Christ.
Monday, December 4 Charles Kingman Theme: Hope – Psalm 130 Mephibosheth’s Hopelessness (and his Hope) “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet….He is...at Lo-debar.”--II Samuel 9:3-4 - This excerpt from II Samuel refers to Mephibosheth. Some pertinent points about Mephibosheth: He is the son of Jonathan, and grandson of Saul the king. He is crippled in both feet. On the day the Philistines killed his father and grandfather, his nurse, in her haste to escape with the boy (five years old at the time), apparently dropped him, damaging both legs, which did not heal. He is living in Lo-debar, which more than likely, was a desolate place and which many scholars believe was one of the cities of refuge set up by the priests when they came to the Promised Land. The exact site of Lo-debar is unknown to us today, although it was certainly in what is now the modern nation of Jordan. Traditionally the translation of Lo-debar has been “no pasture”, but an alternate translation, which is equally possible, is “no word”. Some reasonable conjectures about Mephibosheth: He doesn’t understand the nature of the king (David). More than likely (perhaps he was advised on this point) he thought David considered him a rival to the throne of Israel...and, as such, would need to be killed. That is why he stayed in Lo-debar. He doesn’t understand his position...that he is a beneficiary of all the riches of David’s kingdom! He doesn’t understand that he is a legitimate participant in a covenant Jonathan and David entered into. Although Mephibosheth has done nothing to merit the benefits of the covenant relationship with the king...nonetheless it is available to him. Parallels to the situation among the Syrian refugees in Jordan:
The Syrians (like Mephibosheth) have fled to a city of refuge (which, coincidentally is in the Middle East...perhaps in the vicinity of the ancient site of Lodebar.) The Syrians, like Mephibosheth, have physical problems--lack of housing, lack of food, lack of clothing, lack of educational opportunities - lack of medical attention The Syrians, like Mephibosheth, don’t understand the nature of the king. The word “love” does not appear in their holy book and the concept is lacking in their religion. The Syrians, like Mephibosheth, don’t understand they are potential heirs in the kingdom. They operate in a system of trying to please a demanding and incomprehensible god with their good works.
How was Mephibosheth given hope? And how can the Syrian refugees be given hope? Very simply -someone has to go. Someone has to go to the place where the refugees live and explain the truth about the king and the riches of the kingdom that are available. In II Samuel, someone went to Mephibosheth with this information. Someone who knew the true nature of the king took that information. Mephibosheth responded to it and as a result, and he was adopted into King David’s family and “he ate always at the king’s table”. Likewise, someone needs to go to the Syrian refugees and explain the misconceptions they have about the king...and his son Jesus Christ, and tell them they can be adopted into the family of God.
Tuesday, December 5 Missy Ward Angalla Theme: Hope - Isaiah 42:1-4 I minister among refugees in Kampala, Uganda. Oftentimes the men, women, and children that we work with have been through horrific situations of war, violence, and trauma. When they arrive in Uganda, they often have lost hope and have high levels of trauma in the midst of very complex living situations. The ministry context that I live and minister shares many similarities to the context in which the author of Isaiah was speaking to. People who had been forcible displaced, oppressed and traumatized. In the midst of these difficult hardships and so much uncertainty, the author reminds the people that though there are very difficult circumstances currently, the servant of the Lord is coming, one who is much more powerful than the injustice and hardship of their present circumstances. The servant of the Lord is coming, who in faithfulness, will bring forth justice. Over the last several years, I have seen God heal and transform the lives of hundreds of refugees in incredible and miraculous ways. Their lives are the testimonies of God’s incredible power, love and faithfulness. No matter the life circumstances, no matter how deep the grief and pain, God IS faithful to bring wholeness and healing to our lives. As we anticipate the coming of Jesus this Advent, remember the God who is with us in the wilderness, in the valley, and the mountaintop. No matter where life has brought us this year, it is through God’s unfailing love and faithfulness that we can have hope.
Wednesday, December 6 Paul and Sharon Ward Bowers Theme: Hope – Romans 5:1-5 Several years ago, Gesikhouwa, a Kuni speaker in southern Papua New Guinea, was cutting bananas in her garden when she was bitten by a deadly snake. As the venom spread through her body, affecting her balance, vision, and consciousness, she had only enough strength to call out to a nearby villager before she collapsed. Lying in the bottom of a canoe as they paddled her toward help, she had a vision of someone calling her by name and reassuring her that she would not die. She recognized that God was there, giving her hope. In the following days as she recovered, many people visited and tried to convince her that the tragedy had happened because someone had placed a curse on her - a common assumption in areas where witchcraft is practiced. However, Gesikhouwa wasn’t buying it. She emphatically resisted, saying, “No! God is with me. God knows our death, our end day. Only God knows, not us, and I believe only God.” Gesikhouwa, who has since fully recovered, is known for saying, “When you have a hard testing, don’t leave God!” She clings tightly to her copy of God’s Word in the Kuni language which reminds her that God works all things together for good, using all of our experiences to shape our character, build our faith, and mold us into the people He wants us to be.
Thursday, December 7 Susan Tidwell Graham Theme: Hope – Romans 8:15-22 For three nights, Bala Ke dreamed. In the dream, a voice from Heaven told him to find the “Jesus man”. On the third morning, Bala Ke woke up and told his wife about his dream and told her he was going to find the man. Bala Ke walked a long, long way. Little did he know that he was about to meet a missionary with a brokendown truck. Mike was leading a well-drilling team headed to another village when his truck just happened to stop as he was about to pass a small village. Deciding to make the best of it, Mike decided to show, The Jesus Film. Bala Ke entered the village just as the movie started. After the movie, he sought out Mike and told him he wanted to follow Jesus and shared about his dream. Mike and Bala Ke talked about Jesus and about what following Him means, and then Bala Ke prayed to receive Jesus. Bala Ke returned to his village to share the Good News with his wife and family and eventually led his wife to Christ. Bala Ke shared with everyone about Jesus. He even shared with his brother-in-law who was the Iman, the Islamic religious leader, of a village. His brother-in-law and the other men of the village tried to shame him and even beat him and forbade him or his wife to return to that village. In his home village, the people told him he was wrong to turn from Islam. When two of Bala Ke’s children fell sick, he and his wife prayed but the children died. The people of the village said it was because they would not follow Islam. When the couple refused to turn from Jesus, the village would no longer allow them to stay. Bala Ke and his wife traveled for several days when their third child fell sick and then his wife did too. They found a village that would let them stay but although Bala Ke’s wife lived, the child died. This village also told them they must leave.
Bala Ke and his wife eventually made it to Kenieba. There, other Christians joined together in praying for, studying the Bible with, and helping support this young couple. Their marriage was strengthened and their faith grew and in time more children were born to them and they continued to minister to others throughout the region. All this happened because God’s people prayed, a man was given a vision, a missionary’s truck broke down, and because God loved Bala Ke so much that he chose to meet him and show He loved him in an extraordinary way.
Friday, December 8 Lakshmi Nallamala Theme: Hope – Acts 2:25-28
HOPE through JESUS In Acts 2:25-26 David said about him: “I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” In these verses, Peter refers to words of David who proclaims confidence, joy, and hope in the Lord. No matter what trials come our way, we can have confidence in Him. Lord Jesus is at the right hand of the Father and will not be shaken. His comforting presence is available every moment of the day. We can rejoice and rest because our God is with us and gives us hope for a future with Him. However, many people in our world feel hopeless. They feel alone, helpless, and “stuck”. They do not have expectation for their future. The greatest news we can share with others is the hope of Jesus Christ and everything He has. Jesus came to give us life – an abundant and eternal life. He came to change us. We who were once dead and are now alive with Christ. This advent, let us be motivated to share the gift of Jesus with others. Over 25 years ago, someone did this for me, and my life was transformed. We must press onward in the race set before us so that all can hear the good news of the gospel – Jesus Christ came to save and through Him we are reconciled to the Father. He is the HOPE of the world.
Saturday, December 9 Bill McDowell Theme: Peace – Isaiah 9:6-7 and Matthew 6:1-4 “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your father in heaven.” “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:1—4 The decorations are going up all over town. Banners are hung on the light posts with the message of “Season’s Greeting” and “Peace to All”. At homes throughout the community, friends and neighbors are placing decorated trees and lights to welcome the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The whole world seems to be laying out the welcome mat, but was it that way back at the time of Christ’s birth? In a tiny obscure place, our Father decided to present us with a gift that would allow us to be reconciled to Him. The gift of Jesus Christ was given in secret with no fanfare, no celebration, just a small stable where Jesus was born. The only ones present were Mary, Joseph and the stable animals. It is amazing what a secret gift can do. The world has been changed forever and ever. In the community of Terry Heights, we would like to thank you for all the help and support First Baptist has given. Your gifts have been given in secret and what a change they have made in the lives of our neighbors. Now, moms and dads across the neighborhood are in their homes celebrating the secret gift that our Father gave many years ago. Praise be to God!!
Sunday, December 10 The Second Sunday of Advent Beverly Brown Theme: Peace – Luke 2:8-14 "Just some sheep herders camping in the neighborhood" according to The Message, “guarding their sheep from danger.” Shepherds performed tasks that were considered difficult and distasteful to other people. Each time I've read this passage lately, the parents and grandparents in the Lakewood community have come to mind. I've thought about the jobs some hold - work that for many is demanding, tiring, and often seen as tedious. In all of God’s plan of announcing the Savior of the world’s birth, it is the humble sheep herders who received the announcement of the Christ child’s birth first! Amazing! It was delivered by an angel and then the shepherds were surrounded by the glory of God, accompanied by a huge angelic choir. God wanted them to know that the Christ Child was available to everyone. Do the people in the Lakewood community know this? Have they noticed that Christ's love is shared with their children every time a tutor works with their Study Buddy? Do they know the true, heartfelt peace available to the recipients of God's grace? I believe they do. It's our mission to share the message that was first shared with the shepherds so long ago. May we be vigilant in doing so with everyone we encounter. "Glory to God in the heavenly heights! Peace to all men and women on earth who please Him." The Message
Monday, December 11 Mike Kirk Theme: Peace – John 14:26-27
Why Are You Afraid? There is much to fear and be troubled about these days. The daily news stories are about rogue dictators brandishing nuclear weapons, mass shootings at concerts and churches, terror attacks with vehicles, and moral failings in all walks of society. At a time when the Romans, Herodians, Zealots, Greeks, Samaritans and Jews lived in constant conflict with each other, Jesus said to his disciples “do not be afraid.” He promised a peace from God, a peace that the world could not offer. During this Advent season, pray that our world might receive God's peace. News stories aren't the only cause of fear. Sometimes, stairs become fearful to navigate, or a leaky roof or damaged floor causes a heart to be troubled. It is my great joy to serve as the leader of an organization called Baptist Builders. We are often seen around the church replacing suspended ceilings or hanging blinds. We regularly engage the community by helping numerous individuals and charitable organizations. Our most rewarding work is seldom seen when we assist our fellow church members who need a ramp or minor home repair. Jesus taught that our response to troubled hearts and fear is to love and serve each other. Fear not, be a blessing! I will hold the Christ-light for you, In the night time of your fear. I will hold my hand out to you; Speak the peace you long to hear. – The Servant Song by Richard Gillard (1976)
Tuesday, December 12 John Noblin and family Theme: Peace – Romans 14:13-18 In today’s passage of Scripture, God calls us to lift up our brothers and sisters. This directive applies not only to those who are around us every day (our families, friends, fellow church members, coworkers, etc.), but also to those who are our brothers and sisters around the world. One of the ways that many of our church members are supporting missions around the world is through our local chapter of Mobility Worldwide. We assemble self-powered mobility carts, which are then shipped around the world in conjunction with various mission organizations. The carts enable people with mobility challenges to use their hands to independently move around their towns or villages. As they no longer have to rely on others to provide for their basic needs, their independence can provide the opportunity for a more fulfilling and peaceful life. As the mission organizations with whom we partner share these carts, they also share God’s love, joy, and peace with the recipients. To date, more than 200 people have received mobility carts made possible by our local Mobility Worldwide organization. Please pray for our ministry as we continue to impact people around the world, but also consider joining us in this practical, lifechanging ministry opportunity. As you experience this advent season, may you be refreshed by a boundless understanding of God’s love, joy, hope, and peace!
Wednesday, December 13 Gayla Kidd Theme: Peace – I Peter 5 As we near the Holy, Holy time of the year celebrating the birth of Jesus we are charged to remember those children of God who are not as blessed as some. Having the awesome responsibility and great pleasure bestowed upon me as the Director of Huntsville Assistance Program, I see daily the faces of the underserved and oft times forgotten ones. Jesus' words recorded in 1st Peter, Chapter 5 says "Feed the flock of God which is among you". We at HAP believe and follow this to mean "feed" the entire person, physically, mentally, morally and spiritually. There is not a person who comes into HAP that does not get a hug. And we make sure to strive to get to the bottom of any difficulty our clients may be going though. Many just ask for short-term assistance but we try to explore the origin and basis of the struggle each person may be encountering. We have been greatly blessed in our mission to love and encourage our brothers and sisters, God's children. With God's blessing and guidance we will continue this mission with great fervor! We give thanks to the over 70 churches and many, many individuals who support HAP. We strive to make sure every gift is used for God’s glory to meet the needs of the individual or family who come to HAP for assistance.
Thursday, December 14 Scott Day Theme: Peace – Ephesians 2:13-14 The context of these two verses is centered on separation. Gentiles separated from Jews, separated from birth, circumcised separated from uncircumcised, separated from Christ, separated from Israel, separated from God’s covenants, separated from hope. And then Paul gives us verses 13 and 14, writing on the good news of the atoning nature of Christ’s sacrifice. As the Church, our task should be to work towards unifying what was separated by pointing others to what Christ has done. The term “reconciliation” seems to be a buzz word in our churches today. But, this is exactly the work Jesus Christ is taking on in this passage, and throughout history. Verse thirteen begins with, “But now in Christ Jesus…” Don’t these five words change everything? Because of Jesus Christ, everything is different. The separation before of race, ethnicities, belief systems, and promises, became reconciled when met with the blood of Christ. There are two Hebrew words in this passage which are key. The word in verse 14 for “destroy” literally means to loosen something that has been tied together. The word for “peace” has a communal meaning, standing for tranquility and rest for a nation or group of individuals. Too often, we find ourselves tied to our old destructive tendencies. They squeeze the life out of us and keep us institutionally roped in. And in the midst of this destruction and separation, Christ comes and unties the ropes holding us back. He gives us, all of humanity, rest through only what He can do. As the Missions Resident, my desire continues to be to reconcile and transform lives towards Christ, while being reconciled and transformed myself. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the work Christ is doing firsthand in Jordan, Butler Terrace, Lowe Mill, through our Mosaic Service, and beyond. This is the aim of our mission work and my prayer for the future of this church: to
demonstrate the love of Jesus, to reconcile what has been separated, and transform lives as we are being transformed ourselves.
Friday, December 15 Kim Quinn Theme: Joy – Luke 2:14
Good News…Great Joy As the angels were praising God more than 2000 years ago, the GOOD NEWS of Jesus’ birth brings GREAT JOY to children around the world with the delivery of every Operation Christmas Child shoebox. The goal of OCC is to share the good news of His birth and saving grace with children worldwide through shoeboxes that are tangible expressions of God’s love. Each child that receives a shoebox at an Operation Christmas Child outreach event also receives a booklet called “The Greatest Gift” in his or her language and learns about Jesus’ love for them at that event. The child is then invited to participate in a 12-week discipleship course entitled, “The Greatest Journey,” where they will learn who God is, how to follow God, and how to tell others about God. Operation Christmas Child is not just about the shoebox. It is about sharing the eternal present, Jesus Christ, through a gift from a stranger who cared enough about them to send it. Most of these children have never received a gift and will experience such joy for the first time when a shoebox is placed in their hands. The smiles on their faces show just how excited they are to have a stuffed animal or a toy. Those same smiles of joy appear when approximately 2.1 million children per year accept the greatest gift, Jesus. Thank you for your part in helping millions of children around the world learn about God’s love for them.
Saturday, December 16 Dennis Brooks Theme: Joy – Isaiah 9:1-5 The Isaiah passages speak of joy. And in this season joy is always central though the ministry and missions of First Baptist Church. One of the great joys of serving in FBC is to be able to go to Perry County the first week of June each year and assist many people with needs in housing, community work, and help in our partnership with Judson College. We join with Sowing Seeds of Hope who provide support for our work in this area. Frances Ford is the Executive Director and helps provide many services to the people of Perry County. We stay in Judson College dorm rooms and eat in their cafeteria during our stay making it a low-cost mission and open to families. Flexibility is important as workers from FBC can come one day, two of three days, or for the whole week. Much of the work we do is the result of Perry County’s predicament of high unemployment. Over the years the agricultural work that supplied many people with employment changed and now Perry County and several surrounding counties have many of its residents traveling an average of 26 miles one way to work. As we prepare for Advent please pray for the Ministry of Perry County.
Sunday, December 17 The Third Sunday of Advent Dr. Jerry Graham Theme: Joy – Psalm 16 As I write this I am preparing to take a team November 19- 25, 2017 into Haiti. How fitting to have these words of David in Psalm 16 made fresh on my mind and see their applicability in this work. Many weeks of preparation culminate into six busy days of clinics seeing locals, dispensing medicines, eyeglasses, and presenting Bibles and telling of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Psalm 16:3 There are "saints in the land in whom we delight". The Convention Baptiste Nationale D'Haiti (National Baptist Convention of Haiti) is our partner for this work in Petite Goave Haiti. These pastors are believers who study God's word and live out their beliefs. These Pastors CANNOT say, as Psalm 16:5, "you have given me my portion and my cup and my lot is secure", when referring to their physical possessions but they are secure in their spiritual lot and praise the LORD who counsels them even at night. Psalm 16:7 As we, the team members, climb up narrow rocky dirt paths to reach "church" buildings which have no finished floors nor complete side walls (this is good to allow natural light in for us to read labels); we go only according to Psalm 16:8 "the LORD is set before us and is at our right hand, we will not be shaken". We have adversities such as being exposed to germs which our bodies cannot easily combat. We become the sick trying to help those more seriously sick. We have the adversity of seeing a rigid broken ankle from a motorcycle accident which needs to be "rebroken and reset" in surgery. We have the adversity of changing work locations when the roads become impassable after rains. We pray. Psalm 16:9 At the end of the day "our hearts are glad and we rejoice" securely knowing that our bodies will also have rest. We
are joyful each time we know we have the correct eye drops to treat a serious eye infection. We show the love of Jesus in our work and in his name we offer, Psalm 16:11 "the path of life filled with joy in His presence". You are welcome to join us on this Mission of JOY.
Monday, December 18 Scott Day Theme: Joy – Psalm 30
The Sacredness of Space The Celtics refer to certain regions and moments as “thin spaces”; places where the line between what is real and what is heavenly becomes nearly indistinguishable and the presence of God is almost tangible. Psalm 30 narrates the path of faith within a metaphor: the Jerusalem Temple. This is the place where God was thought to reside, and is the dedication for Psalm 30. This place was intrinsically holy, yet throughout this text we see God moving not throughout the Temple, but within the life of David, weaving through his struggles and joys. We see his pain (v. 3), and yet we also see his worship (v. 5). Eugene Peterson translates the last verse by writing, “You changed wild lament into whirling dance; you ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers. I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you.” In David’s reflection, he sees God is in both the day-to-day struggles, but also in all of eternity. This text reminds me of one Jewish understanding of the story of the burning bush in Exodus. It is taught the miracle was not a single bush aflame in the midst of holy ground, but instead that every bush is on fire, all places are holy ground, and the miracle was Moses seeing it for the first time. As the Missions Resident here at FBC, I’ve begun to see all of our ministries as holy ground; places where we can see God moving, indwelling, and causing us to burst with joy at what God is doing in and through us. David’s psalm shows us that when we look back and see what God has done, through our spiritual deaths and resurrections, the only reaction we can have is joy.
Tuesday, December 19 Rev. Alex and Vanesa De Rubeis Theme: Joy – Psalm 84 How beautiful it is to be able to find our refuge in the Presence of God, what a great blessing it is to discover that in Him we have a joy and a superior Strength, in spite of the trials that we can go through. - Psalm 84 When we went as a family on our first missionary trip to New Zealand, along with our little daughter who was barely two, we felt a great expectation mixed with faith and lack of experience. We had always served in our local church with people from our same culture. We knew that we were entering a season of change without knowing what to expect and knew we would be on a great adventure. In the midst of such an enormous step of obedience we would hold all things lightly. All the important things to us might be taken away; our small apartment, our beloved families, being without close friends for years. But when we arrived, all things were put in perspective, because we knew what it is to be in the perfect will of the Lord. It brought a joy, even when we might feel that we would not succeed, we would experience what it says in this Psalm 84. The Lord never took away the good, he heard every prayer, and made us see how beautiful and renewing His wonderful Presence is. Today, as missionaries from Argentina in Alabama, we continue to experience that joy that surpasses the difficult times and that joy that brings strength. It compels us more than ever to share the love of Christ, who is in us, the hope of Glory. On this day I invite you to seek Christ. Go to Him and experience the joy that He alone can give you in the midst of difficulties of your life. You will see you can with all your soul let the praise and adoration of your Heart flow. As the verse 2 of this psalm expresses, may your heart rest in Hope that those who wait for the Lord, and learn to delight in Him, will never be ashamed or confused.
Wednesday, December 20 Mike Pearce (written on behalf of a pastor overseas) Theme: Joy – Philippians 4:6-9 This passage in Philippians is a magnificent passage for all in difficult situations but also practical as I have this pastor in mind. He and his family are wonderful servants of the Lord in a difficult situation. We can say this about many who serve in countries not open to Christianity. But this pastor has a heart of compassion for all who have not heard the Good News. I admire his boldness in visiting in homes of those who have never heard about Jesus and sharing stories of God’s love. He diligently searches out those who will listen and finds ways to bring many to Christ. He has started two churches, many home churches where there are few believers, and he has begun two schools to those without rights to education where he is located. He travels many miles each week to visit with other leaders and provides encouragement and assistance where needed. But now, he and his families and his church need your specific prayers. He has been interrogated by the officials because of some reports about him in the community. Because he is bold and forthright he answered their questions with honesty and integrity. Now, he is being asked to stop evangelizing people in the communities in which he is working. He has told the officials he will not. So pray for peace, pray for the freedom to carry on his work, and pray for his and his family’s safety.
Thursday, December 21 Ann Smith and Tom Guffin Theme: Joy – Luke 2:8-14 One of the greatest gifts God has given to mankind is the ability to communicate through human tongues. This natural tendency to create and understand not just individual words for objects, but whole concepts of speech allows human society to function with love, joy and fellowship. Not only can we learn and teach our own language, we can also learn the tongues of other peoples. This capability is a wonderful tool that every missionary is taught to use. In Luke 2, the Bible tells us the story of our Savior’s birth. In it, the joy of human speech in the worship and praise of the shepherds and kings, and the glorious music of the angels echoing across the heavens is an important part of the narrative. In our ESL classes, we see the same joy of language and devotion to mission played out every day. We see the excitement of the teacher/student relationship, the smile on a teacher’s face when a student suddenly understands a concept and begins to speak English. We see it again when the students quote a Bible verse in English, and when the friendship between teacher and student deepens. Another joy is the celebration of a student becoming a citizen of our great land. The joy of teaching English and participating in the many opportunities to serve in the ESL program is exemplified in the happy faces of the volunteers who keep the program going from week to week God bless our volunteers and students!
Friday, December 22 Rick and Kathy Nelson Theme: Joy – Matthew 2:7-10 The dictionary defines joy as an emotion of delight. John Piper says that Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit… The wise men rejoiced in the certainty of the child’s birth and the remarkable manner that brought them to Bethlehem. Our mission team experienced great joy in October as God brought medical/dental services to an estimated 600 Syrian refugees in two Jordanian villages. In the clinics and in home visits (apartment and tent) we shared medical and dental care, food parcels, tea, gifts, conversation and prayer. To our great delight a refugee woman prayed to accept our Father and a refugee man accepted a copy of the Book in his language. We continue to pray that the words of the Book will change his life and the lives of his family. Some 2000 years have come and gone and His words continue to bring true joy in dark places and dark situations. We rejoice in the certainty that He is at work and we are so grateful that we got to join Him.
Saturday, December 23 Annie Gygax Theme: Love – I John 3:16-18 When I read this passage, I’m reminded of so many moments and stories of my experiences with the student ministry of FBC. It is no exaggeration to say that the love that my FBC family has shown me over the past year and a half has changed my life. So many adults at FBC have made so many sacrifices for our student ministry. They’ve done this by making and serving us dinner at Liftoff on Wednesday nights. They’ve done this by teaching our Sunday school classes. They’ve done this by taking vacation time from work to chaperone at spring camp or on summer mission trips. They’ve done this in so many other ways we’ve probably never even noticed or given them credit. But they do it because they love us and want to show us how much God loves us. In my time as a student at FBC, I had countless opportunities to share material possessions with those in need. Whether this was through serving on the line at Manna House on a Wacky Wednesday, donating books or money to the book drive we organized for Samuel Pennypacker School, or helping pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, I shared of my time and resources alongside my amazing brothers and sisters in Christ. Throughout the fun and craziness of this Christmas season, take a moment to just slow down and love on the people around you. If you are able, share your resources or your time with a local ministry or charity. And as always, keep the FBC student ministry in your prayers. The students of FBC appreciate your prayers, support, and mentorship more than you will ever know. Thank you for being such incredible role models of how to love not only in words and speech, but with actions and in truth.
Sunday, December 24 The Fourth Sunday of Advent Christmas Eve Mike Pearce, Minister of Missions at First Baptist Huntsville Theme: Love – I Corinthians 13 The greatest of these is love. Everywhere in the Bible we see the love of God resulting in the redemption of the people he loves. It can only be God’s love that would allow His Son to endure the punishment for our sins and allow us to receive His wonderful grace. We see this as a dim visualization in the events of the birth of the Christ-Child. All those events around his birth were wonders. Mary and Joseph had just a glimpse of what God had in store for all humanity through this child. For me, I see God’s love most clearly through Jesus’s death and resurrection. Jesus’ love for us is most vibrant when we consider his suffering for us. But I find in my favorite chapter in the New Testament, Chapter 13 of John’s gospel, a prime example and a wonderful look into the window of God’s love. It is the chapter where Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. In that moment of humbling himself, Jesus demonstrated not only love but a perfect image of how important it is that we become servants of God. The very idea of Jesus, God himself, humbling himself before the disciples, showing all His love in this simple action, brings a great wave of emotion spilling over me. It is a stunning depiction of a magnificent God loving you and me. Please take time on this Christmas Eve to think of the great love of God and how much he desires an intimate, personal relationship with us. Go with His love.
Monday, December 25 Christmas Day Elaine Dickson Theme: Love – Luke 2:1-7 I wonder how Joseph and Mary felt about leaving their hometown to travel approximately 100 miles to Bethlehem. Did they resent the journey, thinking that the timing could not have been worse, or were they resigned to doing what was expected of them to fulfill the census requirements? Whatever they felt, I am amazed that Scripture was fulfilled in an extraordinary way, using ordinary circumstances. A secular order was woven into the sacred order of God’s plan to show His love for the world by sending His Son to be our Savior. At Christian Women’s Job Corps®, all of the women whom we serve are on a journey. Their paths may be long, tedious, or even dangerous. God manages to lead them to us through a variety of situations, bringing them to a place where they can receive His love. He has much more in store for them than learning computer skills, creating a new resume, or receiving job training through an internship. We often hear from our students that our ministry is so much more than they ever expected. I believe this is because our ladies learn that God loves them and has a plan for their lives. When they experience the love of Christ and begin or grow in a relationship with Him, they realize that the journey that led them to Him was worth everything they encountered! Pray that all of the women that we serve will experience Christ’s love and His saving grace.
Author Biographies Neal Hadaway – former missionary to Tajikistan for 12 years, and now a missionary with the North America Mission Board. Neal grew up in First Baptist Church, son of Bill and Joann Hadaway Charles Kingman – former missionary to the Middle East Missy Ward Angalla – Missionary to Uganda – ministers to over 500 women in need a week and provides multiple ministries to help job skills in both men and women Paul and Sharon Ward Bowers – Paul and Sharon work as administrators with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea where nearly 300 language groups are still without any scripture. Sharon grew up in First Baptist and is the daughter of Ross and Nancy Ward Susan Tidwell Graham – former missionary to Mali Africa – Susan grew up in First Baptist – now a nurse and lives in Tennessee Lakshmi Nallamala - Executive Director, Lincoln Village Ministry, a premier ministry that provides tools for that area for community development. Our Baptist Builders have been working in partnership, hand in hand with Lincoln Village for over 15 years Bill McDowell - Executive Director of Second Mile Ministry. This ministry sponsors Parent Initiatives in more than a dozen schools to help parents help their children excel in school. They also provide a preschool ministry to low-income single mothers along with backpacks, clothing, furniture, and young children resources during the year Beverly Brown – Team Leader for the First Baptist partnership with Lakewood Elementary – Beverly helps set up the “Study Buddies,” provides wonderful teacher and staff appreciation, support to the First Baptist “weekend food ministry” and many other ways of caring to Lakewood community
Mike Kirk – Mike provides leadership to the Baptist Builders, Perry County, and many work projects in our community and at First Baptist John Noblin and family – John has had a major role in helping the Mobility Worldwide ministry (formally known as PET) develop into a wonderful mission to people who do not have the use of their legs all over the world. John served as President of the Board for over three years during its formation period Gayla Kidd – Executive Director of Huntsville Assistance Program. She has provided leadership to this vital assistance service to thousands of people in our community. They provide help with utilities, rent or mortgage help, micro loans for dental work, and in many other unique ways of ministry. She is instrumental in making sure every person is served with Christ’s love Scott Day – Missions Resident – First Baptist Huntsville Kim Quinn - Kim serves as the lay coordinator for First Baptist’s work with Operation Christmas Child. She provides encouragement for year-round collection and purchase of items to be used in shoe boxes. Kim’s passion for the gospel being presented to children around the world is profound and infectious to all around her Dennis Brooks – Dennis is the lead for the Perry County Mission – He provides leadership and planning for all the projects and works closely with Sowing Seeds of Hope, a ministry to residents of Perry County. Dr. Jerry Graham – Dr. Graham’s love for missions is evident in his many years of taking multiple medical mission trips to many places around the world but in the last several years has focused on ministry to Haiti and to the Dominican Republic. Scott Day – Missions Resident to First Baptist Huntsville Alex and Vanesa De Rubeis - missionaries from Argentina and Hispanic pastors of Aviva Church, Huntsville Alabama
Ann Smith and Tom Guffin – Co-Directors of English as a Second Language – ESL is a wonderful gift to people from all over the world who live in our area. This ministry provides help understanding and speaking/writing the English language. Over 75 people from 31 different countries meet each Thursday. ESL celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2018. Rick and Kathy Nelson – Rick and Kathy have severed many years in missions around the world and have been to the Middle East on 10 mission trips. Their love for missions is reflected in their passion to reach people for Christ. Kathy is also the First Baptist WMU director. Annie Gygax – Annie is a freshman at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and active in the FBC Student Ministry. Mike Pearce – Minister of Missions at First Baptist Huntsville Elaine Dickson – Elaine is the Executive Director of Christian’s Women Job Corp – a ministry devoted to helping women prepare for employment though an educational, internship, and mentoring process.
Advent Message Series Travis Collins, Senior Pastor Advent 1: December 3 Sermon: Christmas and the Gift of Low Self-Esteem Advent 2: December 10 Sermon: The Passover Lamb Advent 3: December 17 Sermon: And the Winner is…the Lamb Advent 4: December 24 Sermon: Three-Mile-an-Hour-God Christmas Eve Service More than you can imagine…all you will ever need
Christmas Eve Worship First Fellowship and Sanctuary Worship will meet at the regular times on Sunday morning, December 24. There will be no Sunday Morning Bible Study on this day. The Mosaic Service will not meet, rather everyone is invited to attend the Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service at 5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service Sanctuary, 5:00 p.m. The entire church family comes together for one service on this Holy Night. We will observe the Lord’s Supper and light the candles which remind us that the Light of the World has come into our hearts this Christmas season.
Have a wonderful and Holy Christmas and a Blessed New Year
See, the tender Lamb appears
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