The Christmas Story from Luke, Chapter 2:1-20

1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.
3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”

16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.
18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Mary did you know that your baby boy

will one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy

will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy

has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered,

will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy

will give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy

will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy

has walked where angels trod?

And when you kiss your little baby,

you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear

and the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak,

the praises of the Lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy

is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy

will one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy

is heaven's perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you're holding

is the great I Am.

Christmas Sunday

Christmas Sunday at Grace Bible Church, Dec. 21, 2008

Our Pastor & Worship Team lead the congregation in

beautiful Christmas songs that glorified our Lord

At the conclusion of the service, Rob Roelofs, one of our Elders, surprised Pastor Bill with a card and gift from the congregation.

Rob's words echoed all of our thoughts and feelings for Pastor Bill and his family.

We are thankful he's our Pastor and that Nancy supports him in all he does; she is a gracious woman and we deeply love & appreciate her.

We're thankful for James & Donny and their many contributions at Grace.

These two young men always greet you with a smile and will go out of their way to offer help to anyone who needs it.

With 2008 almost behind us, we now look ahead to the New Year and wait to see what the Lord has in store for us there. If you're reading this and you don't have a church home, why not come and visit us? We'd love to have you join us.

Merry Christmas!

On Sunday, Dec. 14th., the wise men seem to have taken on a familar image! But the true miracle of Christmas is the birth of our Savior JESUS CHRIST Who came that we might have eternal life!!

-Submitted by Everett Sollars-

Christmas Dinner, Dec. 12, 2008

Our annual Christmas Dinner was held on Friday, Dec. 12. Once again we thank Everett & Jacque Sollars as they did an outstanding job of hosting and arranging this function. The decorations were lovely and we thank all those who helped make our church look as beautiful as it does for this special time of celebrating our Lord's birth. A big thank you also to Joel & Clyde for taking all the photos you'll see on these posts.

Christmas Dinner, Dec. 12, 2008

Happy Anniversary

A special dessert was served at this year's Christmas Dinner. And it came from the family of Huston & Betty James. To surprise this wonderful couple on their 60th wedding anniversary, their children and grandchildren brought a lovely wedding cake to share. We are blessed to have Huston & Betty as members of our congregation and wish them many more years together.

Christmas Dinner, Dec. 12, 2008

Christmas Dinner, Dec. 12, 2008

Deep down inside we know that the best gifts don't come from catalogs or shopping malls. They don't come in brightly-colored packages or fancy envelopes and they're not sitting under a tree somewhere...The best gifts come from the heart. They come when we look at each other, REALLY look at each other and say 'You mean a lot to me' or 'I'm so glad you're a part of my life.' A gift like that will never go out of style or be forgotten or be returned for a different size. A gift like that can change the world.

Ron Atchison

The Green Stuff: Christmas Trees
He came into the world. Hebrews 10:5
Recommended Reading Hebrews 10:5-10

In ancient Scandinavia, the evergreen tree was considered a symbol of life amid the bleak darkness of winter. Vikings reportedly cut down evergreens and brought them into their homes as a source of encouragement. In the 600s, Boniface, a British missionary, traveled across Europe using pines as object lessons of eternal life. Even the harsh winter couldn't kill them, said Boniface, who also used their triangular shapes to teach about the Trinity. For centuries afterward, people cut down trees and brought them indoors, creating a celebratory midwinter atmosphere. As an added benefit, the tree's fragrance provided a pleasing aroma during the confining months of winter.

According to tradition, it was Martin Luther who popularized trees as a Christmas symbol of the new life given us by the Christchild, and it was also Luther who wrote a carol that's been sung around Christmas trees for nearly 500 years: "From heaven above to earth I come, / To bear good news to every home."

May all the Christmas trees we encounter this year point our hearts upward toward our blessed Savior!

"Give heed, my heart, lift up thine eyes! Who is it in yon manger lies?

Who is this Child so young and fair? The blessed Christchild lieth there."

Martin Luther

Thanks to Camilla McKee for contributing this via email. It comes from Dr. David Jeremiah's program, Turning Point