MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Links

A Collection of MondayMorningReview Christmas posts:

• A Christmas Without Options
• The Inn in Bethlehem
• Why Santa? 
• The Divine Exchange 
• Manger Danger 
• Wanted: A Few Good Shepherds 
• My personal favorite: A Christmas Message from our Elders  

On The Radar

Our youth will be rocking in the New Year at the Red Letter Rock Fest in Snyder, Texas, this December 31.  Check out the Salvage Yard website for more details.

You Heard it at EFC

Been trying to remember one of those awesome songs we sang?  Here is our worship list from yesterday for those of you who just absolutely need a copy for yourself.  You can usually find them for purchase on itunes.com.

1. “O Come All Ye Faithful” traditional version
2. “Desert Song” by Hillsong
3. “Let Heaven Shout Jesus” Culture version
4. “Wonderful Maker” Jeremy Camp version 

Family Connection

Check out these resources to connect with our ministry to children and youth.

• Worldchangers – Discussion starters from Sunday’s Kids’ Church lesson.
• The Salvage Yard – Youth Ministry Website

Sunday Preview

Next Sunday, December 26, Pastor Eric will present the fourth message in our “Christmas – The Divine Gift Exchange” sermon series.  The service will close with a special activity for families, so don’t miss this meaningful morning.

Read Full Post »

WANTED: A FEW GOOD SHEPHERDS

Have you ever noticed God likes shepherds?  Over and over again, He shares his heart with them.  First, there’s Abraham.  Then Moses.  Then David.  Then the shepherding prophets.  And finally a group keeping watch over their sheep on a hillside over 2,000 years ago.

Ever wondered why God seems to favor this occupation when He’s looking for someone to reveal His plans and thoughts to?  Maybe it’s because their heart looks a lot like His.  He is, after all, a very good shepherd.  And if you’re wanting to “be about your Father’s business,” then He’s called you to be one, too.

Here’s a few shepherd pointers:

1. Shepherds protect.  At all costs, they are ready to lay down their life for the sheep.  Are there sheep in your life you need to protect?  Maybe you need to evaluate the state of your flock and see if an enemy has come into the fold that needs to be expelled.
2. Shepherds pursue.  No matter what the lost sheep has done or not done, the shepherd goes after it.  It’s unconditional love, and it can hurt to give, but sometimes it’s the only way to see sheep returned to the fold.  Have you written someone off as a lost cause?  Go after them with the love of a shepherd.  Even if the only way to pursue them is with prayer, it will be worth it.
3. Shepherds proclaim.  Yep, they spread the good news.  And what good news you have for those around you!  When’s the last time you shared with someone the love God has for them?  The Great Shepherd is counting on you to share his heart with the “sheep” he brings into your life.

Don’t fall asleep on your watch.  Just like some shepherds 2,000 years ago, there’s joy in the Heavens when you hear the word of the Lord and obey it.

Read Full Post »

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM OUR ELDERS

In an unprecedented show of unity and church leadership the elders of Emmanuel Fellowship Church get their groove on as they wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Read Full Post »

MANGER DANGER

Yesterday, we lit the “Bethlehem” candle for the second week of Advent.  It’s the week we remember the faith of Mary and Joseph—and what faith that was!  Is easy for us to forget how impossible the word was they were asked to believe.  And not just believe, but act on.  And not just act on, but be ridiculed for.  After all, no one was really prepared for God’s plan.  No one expected an unwed teen girl to give birth to the Messiah.  No one expected the Savior’s earthly caregiver would be a poor carpenter.  No one expected the King of Kings to be born in a stable amongst the barn animals.  And no one expected the Lord of Lord’s welcoming committee to be a group of rag-tag shepherds.

But, Mary and Joseph heard the word of the Lord.  They took it in, let it change them, and obeyed it– even at great personal cost.  And the beautiful thing is it was their very obedience that paved the way for their own salvation.  The manger made the resurrection possible.

God hasn’t asked you to give birth to the Christ in a stable, but He’s definitely asked you to do something.  And it’s probably something you weren’t expecting.  How do I know?  Because He’s not a tame God.  His ideas are wild, adventurous, and beautiful.

How will you respond to His word over your life?  Will you take it in, let it change you, and obey?  One thing’s for sure.  You’ll never experience the glory of resurrection in your life if you’re not willing to undertake some manger experiences.

 

 

Read Full Post »