Dear Friends in Christ,
Dr. Davis Chappell
One of the interesting details in the Christmas story (as Luke tells it), is the response of the first recipients to the birth announcement. The old King James Version says the shepherds "made haste" to see for themselves what was told them. The word for haste not only means to hurry, it also means to desire earnestly.
My grandmother had a favorite saying. "Haste makes waste." She was right. Sometimes we get so hurried and hassled we can't see straight. We miss a lot when we hurry. But there's a sense in which haste is in good taste. The coming of God in flesh brings a sense of urgency. The good news of a Savior demands response. When the shepherds heard the angel's announcement they left their fields. They dropped everything and rushed to Bethlehem to see for themselves. This was the original Christmas rush. Once they saw the child, they returned glorifying and praising God, and made known the news. A group of fishermen would one day respond in a similar way. Having heard and seen for themselves they left their nets, docked their boats and followed the Teacher. 20% of us identify ourselves as chronic procrastinators. For some, procrastination is a lifestyle. We don't pay bills on time. We miss deadlines. We don't cash gift certificates or checks. We file income tax returns late. We put things off.
Jesus said, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." There are some things about which we ought to be in a hurry. There are some things in life that won't wait. A homeless person can't wait to be housed. A hungry stranger can't wait to be fed. A needy child won't wait to be loved. A broken relationship can't wait for forgiveness. To delay, to postpone, to put off, is to miss out. Make haste to see for yourself, to worship, to experience Emmanuel, and then to make known the news! Finally, it was good to welcome new members Chris, Amy, Ava, and Lucas Amella, John and Billie Turner, Mitch, Nancy, Zach, and Jacob Price, Allen, Debbie, ans Claire Deaver, Dianne Privette, and James McFadden. Welcome to our church community. See you Sunday.
Davis Click to see the Stewardship Update shared this past weekend