FroMYour Pastor’s heart

jhenry@fbcfairhope.org

Welcome to the First Family

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Christmas is almost here. It seems so long getting here and then it passes so quickly. My prayer is that each of you will let some of your Christmas stress go and set aside time to keep Christ in your Christmas. I have some pastor suggestions for you to make the most of your days until Christmas. Make the Christmas Eve service a family must. The atmosphere is amazing and the celebration is that not only wasJesus born, but He also died for us. You will not want to miss this. As we kneel and partake of the Lord’s Supper, we follow the pattern of the Wise Men who knelt before Jesus. Another pastor suggestion is attending “Breakfast in Bethlehem” Sunday, December 21. (One worship time at 8:30 with Bethlehem following). Here is another family time to experience the sights and sounds of the place of Jesus’ birth. Wednesday night is our Christmas Program presented by the Children’s Choirs. There is something about children singing Christmas songs that brings a Christmas smile. Their’s is a contagious joy that ignites our hearts to celebrate the birth of the Savior. Also, I suggest reading the Christmas story from Luke 1. If there are children, make it a family time, but, also make it a personal time to let Christ speak to your heart through the power of His word. Matthew 1 and 2 tell about the birth of Christ from Joseph’s perspective. As we open God’s Word, it opens our hearts to fresh strength to guide our hearts whatever season we are in. Finally, I suggest giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas O� ering. All of this money is used to support our worldwide missionary program. Giving to this o� ering has a global outreach that goes to e� orts to win this world to Christ. The Wise Men brought gifts to the Christ child and this is our way to follow their pattern. Certainly, we are never more like our Savior than when we give. (Just a reminder that our church budget needs catching up. Our church depends on your gifts) Take these suggestions and not only hear them, but also do them. So much is crowded into the Christmas season that the secular crowds out the sacred. Of all the things you do, make it a priority to keep Christ in your Christmas. Susan and I are honored to be your pastor and pastor’s wife. We wish each of you a Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. May we, like the shepherds, “come with haste and � nd Jesus.” Christmas is not Christmas without Christ. They made no room for him at the inn, but may you say: “there’s room in my heart, Lord Jesus.”Merry Christmas!Your Pastor, JerryP.S. The students were awesome this past Sunday!

Natlie and Charley BishopCharley by statement,Natlie by Baptism316 Knollwood Ave. FH,604.0849

Norman and Candice Bishop, Jennifer Bishop, Eric CroweNorman by letter, Candice, Jennifer and Eric by Baptism188891 Co Rd. 33Fairhope, AL

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Courtney BradleyJoins by LetterP.O.B. 1644 Point Clear479.264.6754Jean and Joseph “Clem” Rollins

Join by Letter103 Homestead Village #13251.517.7372