Sharing.... Moments With God. Advent Week 1 HOPE Saturday, December 4

Please click the Jukebox to select music. Why is it that Christmas stays so special in our hearts from year to year? For those who have asked Jesus into their life, and experience a walk with Him, it is celebration of that life. For many others, it is a time of gathering with family and friends, a time to acknowledge people who are important in our lives, and to thank them for their love and support for the previous year. So why does it stay so special from year to year? I probably won't be the first or last to wonder why it is that we allow Christmas to become so commercialized. I won't be the first one to wonder why it seems that year after year we allow ourselves to get caught up in the game of seeing if we can spend more than we spent last year. Every year as Christmas approaches, We find ourselves struggling to somehow separate the two faces of Christmas, to prioritize the activities of the Christmas season into a schedule that leaves too little time. When it's all over, I'm left to wonder if God was honored in our celebration of Christmas. This year, I hope it is different, I want God to be glorified by our observance of the Christmas season, When this Christmas season is complete, I want to know that I am closer to God than ever before, I want to know that my family is closer because God is a larger part of our lives. I want to be humbled before God, knowing that he loved me so much, that he gave the ultimate sacrifice of His Son, to prove his love for me and for you. Take some time early in this holiday season, and determine that God is going to be the priority of your heart, your mind, your family and all that you do. I know God will be pleased and honored by your commitment, and when December 26 rolls around, we will be overflowing with the blessings of God. Gary A. Swartzlander

Prayer Lord God Almighty, Help me to separate the things of the world from the things of God, that I might be drawn closer to you during this time of celebration of the birth of Christ. Thank you God, for loving me so much that You gave your only Son. You gave him to a lonely hurting world, and they do not understand his message. Lord, I want to understand, and I want you to be glorified in all that we say and do during this season. God, If someone reads this who doesn't know you, please allow them to feel the love of Christmas, through your Holy Spirit , may they come to be close to you also. Amen. Suggested Daily Scripture Reading [Psalms 20-21:1-14] [Amos 5:18-27] [Jude 17-25] [Matt. 22:15-22] You may send e-mail comments or suggestions to Yvonne Edwards . Edited: Dec. 2, 1999 2:00 p.m. Page designed by : Cecil Wallace The background set is provided by In His Image Copyright © 1999 NazNet All rights reserved. International copyright secured.