Friday Morning Prayer:). JOY! JOY! JOY! Merry Christmas!:).

What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Col 1:15-20

Sean McDonough wrote, “Our text from Colossians reminds us that the Messiah’s involvement with the creation dates back well before the first Christmas….That there is even a world into which Jesus can be born rests upon his prior handiwork. His rescue of Adam’s broken image-bearers is likewise rooted in his status as the archetypal Image of God. He comes in the middle of history. But he is in fact history’s Beginning, and the one who will bring history to its glorious End—not ultimate dissolution, but a glorious new creation: “I am the First and the Last and the Living One” (Rev. 1:17–18).”

Our Lord Jesus is preeminent in ALL things…. He alone has supremacy….The gospel! The person, Jesus…”God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him…” Moreover, His reconciling work, God’s gift of salvation to us through Jesus! :). “…and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Therefore, we sing with joy! We can’t help but to be excited! This is great news! I pray YOU are experiencing the JOY of Christ through all circumstances…supernatural peace even when we just don’t understand… “Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob!” Psalm 81:1.

Indeed! We proclaim to all who are willing to listen…”This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary!” A brother emailed me this week to share how “awesome” his church experience was this past Sunday. Yes! Yes! I could sense in his writing the joy and fulfillment he was experiencing through worship and praise to our holy God… together with brothers and sisters in sweet fellowship! :). Have you gotten connected? Do you look so forward to getting with family In Christ? We encourage you to do so more and more! All need to be connected to the family of God through the local church:).

I was talking to our brother Dean at the Youth Center on Monday night about our strong desire to support the Body of Christ, especially our Bible teaching, gospel centered churches. Week after week we pray for various fellowships, many of which are represented at Friday morning prayer. Pray with us too… we cry out to our gracious God to draw many folks to Himself through our efforts and to establish them in a church where they can grow and mature in our shared faith. Disciples making disciples, folks experiencing the love of Christ through the family of God!:). Practically meeting needs, embracing, praying, singing, rejoicing in the ongoing transformation of many!

Joseph reminded me of our “Christ centered” approach to all we do! Yes! I love to encourage that brother and he I. :)… Monday was a “to God be the glory In Christ” day! Eight girls were able to hear “Jesus is the reason” and even experience Jesus through faithful sisters taking them out for a day of shopping and fun! It was great! Moreover, so many kids through the day at the Youth Center! Caroling! Singing Praise! A bunch of us… the kids were great! We sang at the convalescent home and expressed love! :). Finally, we celebrated Jesus into the evening hours at the Youth Center: Kids everywhere, joyful noise…fun… gifts… smiling faces… A Holy Spirit filled time because Christ was center and supreme in all our activities! :).

I kept thinking… we need to pray, pray, pray… the parents of these kids? Salvation? Fellowship? Follow-up? Are they connected to a local church? How can we effectively reach the many families represented by the multitude of kids participating at the Youth Center? We are thankful for our brothers and sisters: Pastors, Elders, Leaders at the various gospel preaching churches. We continue to invite your creative ideas, your love and support, especially as we pray and work together to reach many in our communities for Jesus. :).

Friday Morning Prayer: Sisters are meeting to pray! Join for women’s prayer at First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. 0900. Alpine. Encouragement, love and support! :).

Brothers are meeting to pray: Bethel Assembly. 1929 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0730. Yes! Our constant expectation is to encourage, worship, enjoy each other, express joy, excitement, and whatever the Holy Spirit wants to accomplish through our prayer and worship together! :). That’s right! Come share your joy In Christ! Get fired up! Overflow! We need you there! Your prayers matter!

Why lies he in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear for sinners here,
The silent Word is pleading.

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant king to own Him,
The King of kings, salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

Raise, raise the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

Merry Merry Merry Christmas!

Thankful for YOU! :).

LoVe YOU! MUCH!

Randall:).