This year, Janie and I, were able to give our first two Christmas gifts to missions. First, we bought the items for our Advent Missions emphasis: Jelly for James Island Outreach; diapers for Low country Pregnancy; pajamas for Low country Orphans; and pop up hampers for Florence Crittenton. I like the old mission saying “the light that shines brightest shines first at home”. I already see the Worship Center Christmas Trees surrounded by gifts. Thank you for being such a generous giving church. Our second gift was to International Missions, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. This is an offering that goes 100% to support Southern Baptist International Missionaries around the world. We are so honored to give to such a worthwhile effort. By the way, our church sets up an in-house “Christmas Card Mail Box”. If you would like to give someone in the church a card, you can place it in the mail box. In the old days, you were encouraged to then give the money saved on stamps to missions. If I might make a suggestion: just use the Christmas Card mail box and enjoy. Then, as you are able, consider a gift to International Missions. It will be money well spent. If you have time, check out their web site at https://www.imb.org. You will find some great stories about our missionaries there. If you did not pick up a Missions Prayer guide this past Sunday, they will be available this Sunday.
This Sunday, I will continue our Advent series, Simple Christmas. My message will be about that infamous Inn Keeper that had no room for Mary and Joseph! We will light the Advent Candle of Peace and remember the Prince of Peace, our Lord Jesus Christ. Janie and I enjoyed our anniversary week away. Glad to be home and looking forward to seeing you Sunday.
Pastor Tom
