MILLING AROUND. That’s the two words that come to mind as I write this on a late “Black Friday” night. Our “day” started while it was still night … with the alarm going off at 1:00 a.m. My body rebelled and I allowed it another 15 minutes of sweet rest beneath warm covers. Then the inevitable moment came … it was time to get ready for Black Friday at the department store I work at. And so I took the first step out of bed – the first of what seemed like a million steps over the next nine hours. My husband joined me in this retail madness, coming to work with me for the day as a “Family and Friends employee”. As we approached the store, we saw the parking lot filled with cars – and this was at 2:40 in the morning! People were lined up at the front doors, waiting impatiently in the cold winter air. Others stayed in their vehicles, hoping to keep warm as long as possible before racing for the front doors at the 3:00 a.m. sharp opening! Our store was filled and stacked to overflowing with every Christmas gift imaginable … and every employee on the roster was available to assist customers and replenish shelves and fixtures. We were a well-oiled machine … ready for the flood of people who burst through the doors, grabbed carts, and ran for the first-choice items on their lists. Within minutes, carts were bulging and lines were forming …long lines that wrapped around the aisles going in both directions. Though it WAS retail madness … I have to admit that it was fun! It was fun to see so many people and get to smile and chat and hopefully keep them in happy spirits throughout their wait. Thankfully, most of the people in the huge crowd were positive and upbeat. That’s a great offset to the small minority who are evermore demanding and downright nasty in the midst of the long lines that are typical of Black Friday shopping. At some point in this experience where people are often shoulder to shoulder with not only their carts full, but their arms full, as well … all I could think of was how it seemed everyone was milling around. Going first in this direction, and then in that direction. Here and there. Back and forth. Finally ending up in a long line. Even as smoothly as everything went, the lines still created a lengthy wait. Moving a few steps at a time, the moment finally came for each one to set their purchases up at the register and part with their money, getting to leave the store with their chosen treasures. What a process! Arriving home after 12:00 noon, I ran for the foot massager … a gift from our grandkids a few Christmases ago – that gets regular use!! Oh … sweet relief! I just sat in that chair for awhile, not intending to move for anything. As I reflected on the morning’s experience, I couldn’t help but smile. God had been with us and shown us His favor with the customers, and our store had been blessed with an abundance of generous gift-giving people. Of course, our great sales and discounts blessed them right back! Now … back to the “milling around” phrase. While some people seemed to just mill around … others definitely shopped with a purpose. They were on a mission. I was overwhelmed at the amount of money that flowed out of their hands – for gifts for others. Why? Just because it has become the commercial thing to do at Christmas-time? Or because it’s really their idea to be generous with those they love and care about on the special day we know as Christmas? Either way, it was pretty amazing to be in the midst of such a great crowd of people who were buying, buying, buying. Some had put lots of thoughts and planning into their long lists. Others randomly grabbed this and that - in hopes it would suffice. At one point during one of my thousands of steps … I heard a distinct question in my heart. “What would it be like if all these people came together like this to birthday shop for Jesus?” How incredible THAT would be! After all, it’s HIS birthday we are celebrating! It would be an amazing thing. Because that many gifts given to Jesus would take the shape of reaching out to those less fortunate, meeting the need of someone else, bringing joy where there’s been no cause for celebration, etc., etc. Every gift we presented to Jesus on His birthday would be opened and given to touch someone else’s life. Wow … double gift-giving! I smiled again. Lord, can we turn the tide from selfishness and greed to selflessness and generosity? Help us effect that kind of change in our present world, I pray. May we not just mill around looking for what we can buy only for ourselves and others … but may we live our lives … and … shop – purposefully. First of all, for gifts that we can present to Jesus on His birthday ~ and then for gifts that we can share with others that will impact them with the love and generosity of Christ. And some of those gifts do not come with a price tag attached, but they are priceless! Don’t forget to give yourself ~ to Jesus … and to others! That might well be the best gift you choose to give this year! “O come … let us adore Him!”
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- HOW GREAT IT WAS to celebrate and worship in gratitude and thanksgiving to the One who is the Giver of all gifts! Pastor Doug preached an awesome message on being thankful … and our praise time … and later, fellowship time … all came together to honor the Lord Jesus Christ at this special time of the year! Our evening Thanksgiving Love Feast with Communion was truly wonderful! Our special thanks to Hazel for providing the table decorations and supplies ~ what a gift of generosity!!! May God bless you, Hazel! And our thanks to each of you for bringing such delicious and bountiful food! It was an evening of thanksgiving and fellowship that we’ll long remember!
- SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES to Deondre on Sunday, November 28th! May this be your best birthday ever, filled with God’s very best gifts for YOU!
- LOOKING AHEAD . . .
- THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE – As we begin Advent, Pastor Doug will be preaching a Christmas series on “Seasoning the Season … Bring Out the Flavor of Christ in Your Christmas Traditions!” He will be using scriptures from John 1 & Colossians 4 in this first of the messages entitled, “Season Your Greetings!” Don’t miss even one of this power-packed, meaningful topics that will enrich your Christmas season!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES – just for YOU, whatever age you are! This is just one more opportunity to learn from the Word of God and to apply it personally to your heart and life! Plan to be a part!!
- YOUTH RE: FUEL ACTIVITY this Sunday evening with Pastor D … he will be touching base with each of you to fill you in on the details! Plan to hang out together and have a great time!
- THIS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1ST: 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. – ‘LEARN THE BIBLE IN 24 HOURS” STUDY; this is YOUR time to dig deep into God’s Word with Christian friends! Join Pastor Doug & Debbie at their home!
- NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5TH: 5:30 P.M. – CHRISTMAS CAROLING CHURCH PARTY … with snacks and a movie you’ll love: “THE CHRISTMAS SHOES”. We have a great evening planned for everyone!
- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12TH: CHRISTMAS CAROLING TO THE COMMUNITY … following worship, we will leave the church to go caroling and bring joy to those who are shut-in. Then we will return to the church for chili and crackers and Christmas treats afterward! This is one of our favorite ways to minister Christ’s love at Christmas!
- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .
- WHAT A PRIVILEGE it is to lift others in prayer before the Throne of God – and to see firsthand what God does! This week we encourage you to spend time in prayer for Hazel, Henry, Tina, Kathy’s mom, Julia’s brother, and those unspoken requests that can weigh heavy on our hearts! Pray that God will use each of us to impact others!
- REMEMBER . . . “Spice up your Christmas greetings by making sure you are conscious of God, no matter who you are talking to!” ~ Dr. David R. Mains
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
