The Worship Before Christmas

 written two years ago and shared with Friendship Community Church ...

Twas the Worship before Christmas when all through God's House
All the creatures were stirring; yes, even a mouse.
All supplications were placed at the altar with care
in hopes that the Holy Spirit would answer them there.
The saints were all nestled, hope on each face;
the comfort of angels was filling the place.
And the Pastor with his Bible and his wife in her ware
had just settled down for a long time of prayer
The Spirit how He tarried! His presence how merry!
His comfort was like balm in a world grown so wary.
His gifts He distributed to each little soul
and the truth He conveyed with salvation goal.
New life was given to each who believed,
knowing it was on a cross this achieved.
He spread through the congregation now whole,
leaving every heart light and aglow,
ready to depart and wanting to the world convey
Christ our salvation was born Christmas Day!

By ShelleyRenee Norman 2010

Are YOU Ready for Christmas?

Christmas is Here ...! So, ARE you ready for Christmas? It seems like before Halloween ebbs, tossing Thanksgiving by the wayside, people begin asking 'Are you ready for Christmas?' - have you completed your regimen for the day of celebration by buying and wrapping gifts; putting up trees, lights, and decorations; purchasing and preparing the meal; and acquiring the garb and other machinations for the day ... whew!

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, 
even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. ^{1 Pet3:4}

The season of Advent looks to the coming of Christ, His second coming, with all the thankfulness, joy, and anticipation of understanding the fulfillment of the first coming. So, really, are YOU ready? Have you wholly given yourself to Him? ^Lk10:27 Have you abandoned this world as a home and made ready for your heavenly one? ^{Mk10:21, Mt6:19} Have you prepared everyone you could to have the opportunity to join you? ^Mt28:19

Christmas Day is yet to come! But as no one knows the day or the hour ^Mk13:32, we should be ready now. Be ready today! If you are ready, CELEBRATE! Jesus is coming again! Amen.

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself;
that where I am, there ye may be also^{. Jn 14:2-3}

Occupy Christmas in your hearts every day, now into eternity!