The night God became flesh and walked among men ranks as the greatest moment in human history. It was the night when God moved into the world to live and eventually to die. Though this story is 2,000 years old, it is still as fresh as if this were the first time you have ever heard it.

Everywhere I was privileged to speak during the month of December in 2011, I visited Bethlehem again and I notice that as Mary delivered Jesus into this world, there were some Christmas Messages being delivered also.

THE HEAVENLY CHOIR DELIVERED A MESSAGE

A Soothing Message - Fear not! (ill. Luke 1:13; 30; Mt. 1:20) Jesus removes fear! Things we need not fear - Death, Hell, Satan, Life, etc.

A Salvation Message -

1. Good tidings (News), great joy, to all people (Universal), unto you (Personal).
2. Threefold titles given to Jesus:
   1. Savior - Deliverer; Pictures Him as the sacrifice. (ill. The cross)
   2. Christ - The Anointed One, The Son of God. Pictures Him as the fulfillment of all the promises and prophecies beginning at Eden (Gen. 3:15)
   3.  Lord - Sovereign God! The One to be served, worshiped, adored!

(Note: Jesus is called Savior! Not an example or a teacher, but a Savior! If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent an entertainer. If our greatest need had been military, God would have sent a soldier. If our greatest need had been for justice, God would have sent a judge. But, our greatest need was forgiveness and redemption, and, therefore, God sent a Savior!) A Showing Message - Pointed the way to Jesus. (ill. God's Word points the way!) Every now and then we encounter someone who needs the way pointed out to them. When we do that we are doing a good thing.

THE HUMBLE SHEPHERDS PREACHED A MESSAGE

The shepherds were considered to be social outcasts. Their duties made them unclean and the fact that they were unable to come to the Temple for many weeks at a time prevented them from getting clean. Praise God, that's the crowd He came for (Luke 19:10, Mark 2:17). (ill. They were probably the men who raised the lambs for the temple sacrifices. It is appropriate that they would be the first men to meet the Lamb of God!) They spread the word about Jesus! What an example for all Christians! Resolve to tell others about Jesus! As these men returned to their sheep, notice that their circumstances had not changed. They were still shepherds, still outcasts and still in the field. While their circumstances had not changed, their hearts had! These men returned with hearts full of praise for the Lord. What a difference Jesus makes!

THE INNKEEPER GAVE A MESSAGE

There is no evil intent mentioned. However, how many people would turn a pregnant woman away into the night? This reveals a hard heart in the innkeeper!

No room for Jesus, do you have room for Him in your life? Lay aside whatever is in the way of letting Him in and open the door. No Jesus, No Hope, Know Jesus, Know Hope! Without Jesus, there is no hope, no future and no life (John 14:6). The Innkeeper, warm and secure in his bed; Jesus lying in a dirty, manger. The Innkeeper's rejection prevented him from knowing the joy of the shepherds. It may have also kept him from knowing eternal life. To be without Jesus is to be without life.

As we think about these Christmas Messages, we need to be sure that we receive the message of the angels like the shepherds did. That we too come to know Jesus and go away praising Him and glorifying His Name. What kind of message is your life preaching today? Like the Angels, are you living a life that points people to Jesus? Or, are you like the shepherds, so filled up with His wonder and glory that life is fresh everyday because of Jesus? Or, would you have to admit that like the innkeeper, you simply have no room for Jesus in your life? Which?

Pray for Charles

Dr. Lolly and the Dennis family! Dr Lolly will replace Charles’ left knee on Jan. 4th at Flowers Hospital in Dothan, Alabama. Charles has several commitments in January; he wants to be keep them all. Please pray, it’s always the right thing to do.

Ministry in December

December was a busy month! It included the usual ministry to the Seniors of Seminole County at the Senior Center in Donalsonville. December 11, we worshiped at Attapulgus UMC with preaching and singing. There were several special Christmas programs attended with the family. It was a special blessing to be with the family at Christmas, eating and sharing gifts. The New Year has many opportunities for ministry. Please pray for me and this ministry of faith. Your prayers and gifts make it possible. God Bless you, one and all.

Missions to Navajoland in 2012

Here is very tentative information on Native American mission opportunities for 2012. We need your help. When can you go? What can you do? Who can you send to us to help with the skill jobs—electricians, sheet rock people and plumbers? Contact Charles for more information and to make a donation to the work.

If your church would like to gather a team for one of these dates or set your own date, we'll be glad to help you in any way we can!

Charles Dennis will take his annual preaching mission team to the reservation in April and spend some time at Roger's house planning the work for May.

Buddy Whatley and a friend will take a motor home to the reservation in May and stay at Roger's house for two or three weeks working and receiving teams. The work will follow this schedule: 1) the ceilings, walls & windows, 2) electrical and plumbing, 3) floors and finish work. A metal roof and two doors were installed last October.

The pastor's school will focus (tentatively) on discipleship. We hope to find a church in the southeast to adopt a church on the reservation. As part of that relationship, the pastors would create a disciplining relationship— sharing their faith and ministries. If you or your church might be interested in making a one year commitment, please let us know.

All this year we will be gathering Christmas ‘shoeboxes’ for the children—warm coats, warm blankets, and kitchen tables—to take to the reservation next December. (They are due by thanksgiving weekend.) Some may be taken this spring, if they are collected by then.