Friday, December 12, 2025

On this beautiful Friday morning we hear from Paul's letter to the Colossians...
 
             "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, as members of one body
             you were called to peace. And be thankful."  (Colossians 3:15 NIV)  
 
In Romans 5:1 (NIV), Paul communicates this wonderful promise: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." The phrase peace with God gives us the assurance that we are no longer enemies with the Lord, that He has forgiven our sins, and that He has reserved for us an eternal home with Him in heaven.  
   
No one or no thing can change our status of being at peace with God (Romans 8: 31-39). But there is another kind of peace -- the "peace of Christ" -- that today's scripture verse suggests is a result of an act of will.
   
True inner peace, I believe, is the result of daily abiding in Christ, of trusting God's written Word, of obeying God's commands, of keeping short accounts with God when it comes to sin, of communicating with God daily in prayer, and of dying to self and living for God.
   
Neglect any of these things, as many of us are want to do during this very busy time of year, and you will lack inner peace. Do them, and the peace of Christ will rule in your heart --- guaranteed!  
 
       Lord Jesus, I want Your peace to rule in my heart and mind at all times. Reveal to me anything that prevents me from allowing Your peace to guard my heart every day.  Amen.   
 
+++ Don't forget to join us on Saturday night at 6:00pm for our Living Nativity celebration! Dress warmly and join us in the parking lot as our kids retell the story of that first Christmas. There will be a small petting zoo for the kids and Christmas cookies and hot chocolate for all after!   

+++ Sunday worship is at 8:30am and 10:00am and both worship services continue to be held in the Sanctuary. Our Advent theme, "Our Dear Christ Enters In" continues and this week's installment is "Baby Names". How did you get your name at the time of your birth? And was there an angel involved? These are some of the things I am thinking about on Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent. If you can't be here with us in the beautifully decorated Sanctuary, plan to join us on the church Facebook page at 10:00am for our live-stream or later on the church YouTube channel for the recorded worship service.    

+++ Following worship we will enjoy another Second Sunday Luncheon. Hopefully you had a chance to sign up and plan to join us!  

+++ On Sunday you can also order Christmas Poinsettias for the Altar, or participate in the Mitten Tree project or the Heifer International project. So many great mission opportunities exist here each week!

+++ Mark your calendars for our Christmas Eve worship services taking place at 4:00pm and 7:30pm. Both worship services include the Sacrament of Holy Communion and candle lighting... so join us whenever it is convenient for you!  

+++ Team and Ministry Leaders... please remember that the deadline for the January/February edition of the church newsletter is on December 20th! Please make sure all articles are in the church office by that date so we can keep to our publishing deadline. Thanks!  

+++ On Sunday December 28th and Sunday January 4th we will offer ONE worship service at 10:00am ONLY. Thanks!  

+++ Jim Sokolowski is continuing to try to rebuild our Greeting Card Ministry. Please take a moment to email him your birthdate and/or anniversary date, along with your preferred address to receive mail. Jim's email address is: [email protected] or you can call him at (315) 532-2864. Thanks!
 
Make this day a great day and continue to seek the peace of Christ each day!   
​Pastor Jack