Advent 2011 Devotional Book by First Baptist Church, Huntsville

Advent Devotional 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 celebration 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 Coming” 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, November 27, 2011

What does your heart sing? By Sarah Sizemore 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 Beethoven, 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 matter! 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.

By Heinrich Dubose-Schmidt 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 servant 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 servant. 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 ourselves, 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.

Monday, November 28, 2011

T h e L i g h t o f t h e Wo r l d

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Singing and Turning By Elizabeth Hostetter 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 longing, Keeps me singing as I go.” • Heavenly Sunlight (424): “Jesus has said, ‘I’ll never forsake thee,’ Promise 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 momentous 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 season, 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.”

By Allen Godwin 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

We d n e s d a y , N o v e m b e r 3 0 , 2 0 1 1

My Heart Sings

Thursday, December 1, 2011

G i v i n g o f Yo u r s e l f By Elaine Dickson 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 several 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 Christmas. 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 peppermints. 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

By Jonathan and Amy Boyd 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 Christmas. 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 Mountain. 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…”

Friday, December 2, 2011

Songs of the Heart

Saturday, December 3, 2011

W h a t D o Y o u H a v e To B r i n g ? By John and Diane Gordon When I was ten years old, my parents took me to my first Symphony Orchestra 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 nondenominational churches. I used to consider these “gigs” as a fun, easy way to earn some extra holiday 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 worshiping… 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 because my playing is the very best possible gift I can give to God. Is it worship because 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 worship. Handel composed “Messiah” in 24 days. He believed he had truly been inspired 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!

By Bobby Saint “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-onecan-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

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Hallelujah

Monday, December 5, 2011

Singing in Darkness By Hope Mackey 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 children, when Pastor Hull preached a sermon one December that altered my life dramatically. 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 Savior 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 literally 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 darkness. No one thinks anyone should be without hope or despair during the holidays. 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 Christmas. 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.

By Mike Thompson 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 preChristmas 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 happened. 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 wonderful 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 Saturday 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."

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

And on Earth peace, good will toward men.

We d n e s d a y , D e c e m b e r 7 , 2 0 1 1

Expressible Joy By Jeremy Wilkerson

“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 excited 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 Testament 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.

By Jamie Mackey 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!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Rejoice

Friday, December 9, 2011

A Mother’s Heart By Jamie Richardson 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 Living 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 evening, 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 moment 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 deserve? 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, December 9, 2011

By Beverly Brown 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 Christmas parades and concerts. Family members and I have sung on the Living Christmas 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 offer 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 offering, 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

Saturday, December 10, 2011

I Love Christmas Music

Sunday, December 11, 2011

M y N e w C h r i s t m a s Fav o r i t e By Fran Wilson 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 soloists were outstanding and sang with such passion that the whole experience 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 Mormon 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, remember 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 became 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.”

By Ruby Dang “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 feeling 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 stockings 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 motivation 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 forget 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

Monday, December 12, 2011

Merry Christmas

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

A Pure Gift B y J e ff 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 commit 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!

By Lisa Felder “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 Savior. 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 continues 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.

We d n e s d a y , D e c e m b e r 1 4 , 2 0 1 1

Emmanuel, God With Us

Thursday, December 15, 2011

My Heart Shall Sing By Amy Kearney 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 because 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

By Lucy Glover “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!

Friday, December 16, 2011

My Joy and My Song

Saturday, December 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 Vo i c e s By Eugenia Graves 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 understanding—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.

By Debbie Howard 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 wasn’t the same color or style as the year before but he always made the final decision. 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 living 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 pictures 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 heavenly light and angels who sang, the shepherds following the angels’ instructions and finding the baby and his parents and the shepherds leaving and telling everyone 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 granddaddy’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

Sunday, December 18, 2011

A Special Christmas Memory Makes My Heart Sing

Monday, December 19, 2011

The Blessing of a Holy Night Long Ago B y J i m a n d Pa t t y At h e r t on 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 favor 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.

By Gayla Kidd Being Director of Huntsville Assistance Program (HAP) is a wonderful blessing and awesome responsibility. I thank God daily for entrusting this ministry to me. We are your home town Missionaries who are commissioned 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. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.â&#x20AC;? Psalm 126:3

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Great Things He Has Done

We d n e s d a y , D e c e m b e r 2 1 , 2 0 1 1

My Heart Sings With Joy B y Pa 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 besieged 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 destined 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 possible 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!

By Kristin Wilkerson 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 surrounded 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 singing – 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, perhaps 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.”

Thursday, December 22, 2011

My Mouth Shall Sing…

Friday, December 23, 2011

S e e k i n g Wo n d e r B y S a r a h L e ffe 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. Instead, 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 treasured 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.

By Chris Sims The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darknessâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; 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 Christmas Day. This waiting invites to even be a little anxious as we long for Jesus to come. Looking at the words of Isaiah, the people have been walking in darkness 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 Christmasâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that God is coming 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 coming but not here yet. We fill our minds with awe as we see how incomprehensible the incarnation is. We wonder when Christ will come again to redeem 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.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Anxiously Expecting

Sunday, December 25, 2011

A T w o Po u n d Pa c k a g e B y I n g r i d L u n s fo r d The saying that â&#x20AC;&#x153;good things come in small packages" definitely applies 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 arrived 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 devotional 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 receive. 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

About the Authors 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 addition, they both work with Missions in West Africa. Jonathan and Amy Boyd joined in January 2010. They attend the Family Foundations class. They also do Music and Missions on Wednesdays nights and participate 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 Ministry. Ruby Dang joined First Baptist Huntsville in August 2011. She attends the Coffee 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 Patrick 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 Sunday 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 deacon 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 Community 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 attends 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, participating 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 coordinator 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 Forum. For the past year a half, he has served as the Christian Life Center Coordinator. 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 Sunday 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 Fellowship 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 childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Special Thanks to: Kristin Wilkerson and Susan McClung for coordinating the writing, compiling and printing the contents of the 2011 Advent Devotional book.