Christmas is upon us. As you look back over the years of your life, do you have special Christmas memories that bless you? I hope so. May I share one of mine with you?

I must have been 14 or 15. Transistor radios that operated on batteries were coming on the market. That Christmas I received one of those radios. It was used, but I did not care. It was about the size of an encyclopedia volume, so I held it on my shoulder as I walked about the neighborhood. I thought I was the “coolest dude around.” Since I mostly listened to country music, others probably considered me to be a “red neck.”

Only later did I learn how I came to receive that radio. I was told that my Dad swapped a coon dog for it! Now, my Dad loved his coon dogs. For him to trade away a dog was a real sacrifice on his part. It was evidence of Dad’s love for me and of his desire to please me.

My Dad’s sacrifice does not begin to compare with the sacrifice that was made in Heaven so long ago. There, a Loving Heavenly Father looked at people lost in sin. People who were on their journey to Hell. It was a people with no hope and no way out of their destiny. That Loving Heavenly Father made a trade. He traded the death of His Son, Jesus, on Calvary’s cross for our salvation!!!! Thank You Father! Thank You Jesus! What an amazing gift of love is offered to us.

That transistor radio has long since been broken, discarded, and thrown into some landfill. It was a precious treasure, but it was not a permanent treasure. Contrast that with Jesus. He is a Precious Treasure who is for today, tomorrow, and for all eternity. Jesus will always be with you. Thank God for Jesus. Receive Him. Live for Him. Worship Him forever.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am. Also available in the parking lot on 99.1 FM
2. Morning worship and Children’s Church is at 10:00 am. Also available in the parking lot at 10 and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. THANK YOU—You have been a blessing
   $ 700 – Samaritan’s Purse
   $ 1390 – NC Baptist Children’s Homes

5. In December we bring our special mission gifts for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. For over 150 years Southern Baptists have been sharing Jesus with an unsaved world. Your gifts make a difference.
6. December 10- 6:00 pm.The entire church family and guests are invited to a night of fellowship. Chicken stew, oyster stew, and other soups will be served. Bring a friend and your favorite dessert. All are invited
7. December 18 – 6:00 pm. Special Christmas Service. Singing, testimonies, the Christmas Story and other memories. If you would like, you can bring a small poinsettia in honor of someone you wish to honor. After the service there will be finger foods and desserts in the Fellowship Hall.
8. We extend our love and sympathy to Mrs Janette Barbee and family upon the death of her sister, Mrs. Barbara Hinson. May the Lord’s peace and comfort be with you during this time of sadness.

What Christmas memory brings you joy this week?

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church