Our Advent Carol for 2017 - Constant...
Transcript of Our Advent Carol for 2017 - Constant...
Our Advent Carol for 2017
See, amid the winter's snow, Born for us on Earth below,
See, the tender Lamb appears, Promised from eternal years.
Chorus:
Hail, thou ever blessed morn, Hail redemption's happy dawn,
Sing through all Jerusalem, Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Lo, within a manger lies
He who built the starry skies; He who, throned in height sublime,
Sits among the cherubim.
Say, ye holy shepherds, say, What your joyful news today;
Wherefore have ye left your sheep On the lonely mountain steep?
"As we watched at dead of night,
Lo, we saw a wondrous light: Angels singing 'Peace On Earth' Told us of the Saviour's birth."
Sacred Infant, all divine,
What a tender love was Thine, Thus to come from highest bliss Down to such a world as this.
A Word from Travis Collins
Senior Pastor
For more than two centuries this family of faith—FBC,
Huntsville—has prioritized missions. Many of you have heard the
story that our church got kicked out of the first Baptist association
of which we were members! Baptist churches were popping up
across the Tennessee Valley and they formed an Association. We
were part of the Flint River Baptist Association when, in the
1830’s, the majority of churches in that association took an anti-
missions stance. There was a strong anti-missionary movement
sweeping Baptists nationally. It was short-lived but it was
ferocious. Churches in our area got caught up in it. They
embraced a hyper-Calvinism, meaning they believed God had
destined certain people for salvation and others for damnation and
thus to send missionaries was in violation of the divine plan. Our
church and others said Jesus died for everyone and wants everyone
to be saved. So we and five other churches were ousted from the
Flint River Baptist Association in 1838, because we were guilty of
wanting to send missionaries!
Well, you hold in your hand the prayerful thoughts of people who
are descendants of those mission-minded Baptists. Those who
wrote the words you are about to read believe the birth of Jesus
changed everything. They believe Jesus is the very
incarnation/embodiment of God. They believe his birth launched a
revolution of heavenly proportions.
As we prepare to celebrate the Lord’s birth, let’s read these
devotions with a renewed commitment to the Great Commission.
Let’s remember the words of Jesus during his first appearance to
his friends after his resurrection: “As the Father has sent me, I am
sending you.”
The Living Christmas Tree 2017
See, the Tender Lamb Appears Guest Artist, Steve Amerson, “America’s Tenor”
December 14-17, 2017
2017 PRESENTATIONS
Thursday, December 14, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 15, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 16, 11:00 a.m. “A Tree for the Children”
Saturday, December 16, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 16, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 17, 3:00 p.m. Abridged Living Christmas Tree with highlights from this year’s Tree
Sunday, December 17, 5:30 p.m.
Christmas and Missions
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and Global Missions Offering
The World Missions 2017 Goal for First Baptist is $120,000. You
will have an envelope in your giving packet for both the Lottie
Moon Christmas Offering which is part of the Southern Baptist
Convention Mission effort and the Global Missions Offering
envelope which supports Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Missions.
Please give generously to these important funding agencies of
world missions.
Operation Christmas Child
Our First Baptist Packing Party on November 4 had approximately
150 people packing shoeboxes to go to children overseas with the
gospel message. Each child that receives a shoe box hears the
gospel and annually around 2,000,000 children accept Christ into
their lives. This year at the Packing Party 1,734 shoe boxes were
lovingly filled with toys, educational supplies, hygiene articles,
and sports items.
During the Collection Week, November 13 – 20, over 225
volunteers received 13,698 shoe boxes from churches, groups, and
individuals. That represents 13,698 times the gospel was presented
to children and their families. There is no other mission effort that
reaches that many children and their families. The overall OCC
goal around the world was 12,000,000 boxes.
The final count on shoe boxes from First Baptist Huntsville was
2,333, an increase of three fold over last year. We estimate our
volunteers gave over 1,125 hours to this effort. And there is no
way to estimate how many hours were spent in shopping and
finding just the right items to place in the shoe boxes.
Thank you for your time and effort for the Kingdom!
Sunday, December 3
The First Sunday of Advent
Neal Hadaway
Theme: Hope - Galatians 4:4
In the Fullness of Time God has a plan, and He’s never late. Ever since the Garden of
Eden, when Adam and Eve ‘jumped’ from God’s grace into the
wasteland of rebellion, God had the dilemma of bringing the
broken human race back into perfect fellowship with Him. But
how could He satisfy His perfect love (desire to save us) without
violating His perfect justice (sin must be paid for by death)? How
could sin-dead mankind appear before a holy God without
immediately being consumed?
God outlined His plan over the centuries through the prophets:
It would be a Child of the woman who would crush Satan’s
head (Gen. 3:15);
Through the Seed of Abraham all the families of the world
would be blessed (Gen. 12:3; Gal. 3:16);
God would provide the Lamb which would be the
substitute sacrifice (Gen. 22);
The believers would need to act in obedience to apply the
blood of the sacrifice as a sign of their faith (Exodus 12);
This Shepherd-King would come from the family of David
and rule forever (2 Samuel 7);
Isaiah told us this Immanuel would be born of a virgin
(7:14), a holy child called Prince of Peace and Mighty God
(9:6), who would bear our sins and willingly give His life
to justify many (chapter 53);
Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the
world (John 1:29) and gives eternal life (John 3:16). Hope
is trusting God with my future. The Son came that we may
be adopted as God’s children, indwelt by his Spirit and co-
heirs with Christ.
Monday, December 4
Charles Kingman
Theme: Hope – Psalm 130
Mephibosheth’s Hopelessness (and his Hope) “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet….He
is...at Lo-debar.”--II Samuel 9:3-4 - This excerpt from II Samuel
refers to Mephibosheth.
Some pertinent points about Mephibosheth:
He is the son of Jonathan, and grandson of Saul the king.
He is crippled in both feet. On the day the Philistines
killed his father and grandfather, his nurse, in her haste to
escape with the boy (five years old at the time), apparently
dropped him, damaging both legs, which did not heal.
He is living in Lo-debar, which more than likely, was a
desolate place and which many scholars believe was one of
the cities of refuge set up by the priests when they came to
the Promised Land. The exact site of Lo-debar is unknown
to us today, although it was certainly in what is now the
modern nation of Jordan. Traditionally the translation of
Lo-debar has been “no pasture”, but an alternate
translation, which is equally possible, is “no word”.
Some reasonable conjectures about Mephibosheth:
He doesn’t understand the nature of the king
(David). More than likely (perhaps he was advised on this
point) he thought David considered him a rival to the
throne of Israel...and, as such, would need to be killed. That
is why he stayed in Lo-debar.
He doesn’t understand his position...that he is a
beneficiary of all the riches of David’s kingdom! He
doesn’t understand that he is a legitimate participant in a
covenant Jonathan and David entered into. Although
Mephibosheth has done nothing to merit the benefits of the
covenant relationship with the king...nonetheless it is
available to him.
Parallels to the situation among the Syrian refugees in Jordan:
The Syrians (like Mephibosheth) have fled to a city of
refuge (which, coincidentally is in the Middle
East...perhaps in the vicinity of the ancient site of Lo-
debar.)
The Syrians, like Mephibosheth, have physical
problems--lack of housing, lack of food, lack of clothing,
lack of educational opportunities - lack of medical attention
The Syrians, like Mephibosheth, don’t understand the
nature of the king. The word “love” does not appear in
their holy book and the concept is lacking in their religion.
The Syrians, like Mephibosheth, don’t understand they
are potential heirs in the kingdom. They operate in a
system of trying to please a demanding and
incomprehensible god with their good works.
How was Mephibosheth given hope? And how can the Syrian
refugees be given hope? Very simply -someone has to go. Someone has to go to the place
where the refugees live and explain the truth about the king and
the riches of the kingdom that are available.
In II Samuel, someone went to Mephibosheth with this
information. Someone who knew the true nature of the king took
that information. Mephibosheth responded to it and as a result,
and he was adopted into King David’s family and “he ate always
at the king’s table”. Likewise, someone needs to go to the Syrian
refugees and explain the misconceptions they have about the
king...and his son Jesus Christ, and tell them they can be adopted
into the family of God.
Tuesday, December 5
Missy Ward Angalla
Theme: Hope - Isaiah 42:1-4
I minister among refugees in Kampala, Uganda. Oftentimes the
men, women, and children that we work with have been through
horrific situations of war, violence, and trauma. When they arrive
in Uganda, they often have lost hope and have high levels of
trauma in the midst of very complex living situations.
The ministry context that I live and minister shares many
similarities to the context in which the author of Isaiah was
speaking to. People who had been forcible displaced, oppressed
and traumatized. In the midst of these difficult hardships and so
much uncertainty, the author reminds the people that though there
are very difficult circumstances currently, the servant of the Lord
is coming, one who is much more powerful than the injustice and
hardship of their present circumstances. The servant of the Lord is
coming, who in faithfulness, will bring forth justice.
Over the last several years, I have seen God heal and transform the
lives of hundreds of refugees in incredible and miraculous ways.
Their lives are the testimonies of God’s incredible power, love and
faithfulness. No matter the life circumstances, no matter how deep
the grief and pain, God IS faithful to bring wholeness and healing
to our lives. As we anticipate the coming of Jesus this Advent,
remember the God who is with us in the wilderness, in the valley,
and the mountaintop. No matter where life has brought us this
year, it is through God’s unfailing love and faithfulness that we can
have hope.
Wednesday, December 6
Paul and Sharon Ward Bowers
Theme: Hope – Romans 5:1-5
Several years ago, Gesikhouwa, a Kuni speaker in southern Papua
New Guinea, was cutting bananas in her garden when she was
bitten by a deadly snake. As the venom spread through her body,
affecting her balance, vision, and consciousness, she had only
enough strength to call out to a nearby villager before she
collapsed. Lying in the bottom of a canoe as they paddled her
toward help, she had a vision of someone calling her by name and
reassuring her that she would not die. She recognized that God
was there, giving her hope.
In the following days as she recovered, many people visited and
tried to convince her that the tragedy had happened because
someone had placed a curse on her - a common assumption in
areas where witchcraft is practiced. However, Gesikhouwa wasn’t
buying it. She emphatically resisted, saying, “No! God is with me.
God knows our death, our end day. Only God knows, not us, and I
believe only God.”
Gesikhouwa, who has since fully recovered, is known for saying,
“When you have a hard testing, don’t leave God!” She clings
tightly to her copy of God’s Word in the Kuni language which
reminds her that God works all things together for good, using all
of our experiences to shape our character, build our faith, and mold
us into the people He wants us to be.
Thursday, December 7
Susan Tidwell Graham
Theme: Hope – Romans 8:15-22
For three nights, Bala Ke dreamed. In the dream, a voice from
Heaven told him to find the “Jesus man”. On the third morning,
Bala Ke woke up and told his wife about his dream and told her he
was going to find the man. Bala Ke walked a long, long way. Little
did he know that he was about to meet a missionary with a broken-
down truck. Mike was leading a well-drilling team headed to
another village when his truck just happened to stop as he was
about to pass a small village. Deciding to make the best of it, Mike
decided to show, The Jesus Film.
Bala Ke entered the village just as the movie started. After the
movie, he sought out Mike and told him he wanted to follow Jesus
and shared about his dream. Mike and Bala Ke talked about Jesus
and about what following Him means, and then Bala Ke prayed to
receive Jesus. Bala Ke returned to his village to share the Good
News with his wife and family and eventually led his wife to
Christ.
Bala Ke shared with everyone about Jesus. He even shared with his
brother-in-law who was the Iman, the Islamic religious leader, of a
village. His brother-in-law and the other men of the village tried to
shame him and even beat him and forbade him or his wife to return
to that village. In his home village, the people told him he was
wrong to turn from Islam. When two of Bala Ke’s children fell
sick, he and his wife prayed but the children died. The people of
the village said it was because they would not follow Islam. When
the couple refused to turn from Jesus, the village would no longer
allow them to stay. Bala Ke and his wife traveled for several days
when their third child fell sick and then his wife did too. They
found a village that would let them stay but although Bala Ke’s
wife lived, the child died. This village also told them they must
leave.
Bala Ke and his wife eventually made it to Kenieba. There, other
Christians joined together in praying for, studying the Bible with,
and helping support this young couple. Their marriage was
strengthened and their faith grew and in time more children were
born to them and they continued to minister to others throughout
the region.
All this happened because God’s people prayed, a man was given a
vision, a missionary’s truck broke down, and because God loved
Bala Ke so much that he chose to meet him and show He loved
him in an extraordinary way.
Friday, December 8
Lakshmi Nallamala
Theme: Hope – Acts 2:25-28
HOPE through JESUS
In Acts 2:25-26 David said about him: “I saw the Lord always
before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also
will rest in hope, because you will not abandon me to the realm of
the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. You have made
known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your
presence.”
In these verses, Peter refers to words of David who proclaims
confidence, joy, and hope in the Lord. No matter what trials come
our way, we can have confidence in Him. Lord Jesus is at the right
hand of the Father and will not be shaken. His comforting presence
is available every moment of the day. We can rejoice and rest
because our God is with us and gives us hope for a future with
Him.
However, many people in our world feel hopeless. They feel alone,
helpless, and “stuck”. They do not have expectation for their
future. The greatest news we can share with others is the hope of
Jesus Christ and everything He has. Jesus came to give us life – an
abundant and eternal life. He came to change us. We who were
once dead and are now alive with Christ.
This advent, let us be motivated to share the gift of Jesus with
others. Over 25 years ago, someone did this for me, and my life
was transformed. We must press onward in the race set before us
so that all can hear the good news of the gospel – Jesus Christ
came to save and through Him we are reconciled to the Father. He
is the HOPE of the world.
Saturday, December 9
Bill McDowell
Theme: Peace – Isaiah 9:6-7 and Matthew 6:1-4
“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men,
to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your
father in heaven.”
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with
trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets,
to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their
reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left
hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may
be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret,
will reward you.” Matthew 6:1—4
The decorations are going up all over town. Banners are hung
on the light posts with the message of “Season’s Greeting” and
“Peace to All”. At homes throughout the community, friends and
neighbors are placing decorated trees and lights to welcome the
celebration of the birth of Jesus. The whole world seems to be
laying out the welcome mat, but was it that way back at the time of
Christ’s birth?
In a tiny obscure place, our Father decided to present us with a
gift that would allow us to be reconciled to Him. The gift of Jesus
Christ was given in secret with no fanfare, no celebration, just a
small stable where Jesus was born. The only ones present were
Mary, Joseph and the stable animals.
It is amazing what a secret gift can do. The world has been
changed forever and ever.
In the community of Terry Heights, we would like to thank you
for all the help and support First Baptist has given. Your gifts have
been given in secret and what a change they have made in the lives
of our neighbors. Now, moms and dads across the neighborhood
are in their homes celebrating the secret gift that our Father gave
many years ago. Praise be to God!!
Sunday, December 10
The Second Sunday of Advent
Beverly Brown
Theme: Peace – Luke 2:8-14
"Just some sheep herders camping in the neighborhood" according
to The Message, “guarding their sheep from danger.” Shepherds
performed tasks that were considered difficult and distasteful to
other people. Each time I've read this passage lately, the parents
and grandparents in the Lakewood community have come to mind.
I've thought about the jobs some hold - work that for many is
demanding, tiring, and often seen as tedious.
In all of God’s plan of announcing the Savior of the world’s birth,
it is the humble sheep herders who received the announcement of
the Christ child’s birth first! Amazing! It was delivered by an
angel and then the shepherds were surrounded by the glory of God,
accompanied by a huge angelic choir. God wanted them to know
that the Christ Child was available to everyone. Do the people in
the Lakewood community know this? Have they noticed that
Christ's love is shared with their children every time a tutor works
with their Study Buddy? Do they know the true, heartfelt peace
available to the recipients of God's grace? I believe they do. It's our
mission to share the message that was first shared with the
shepherds so long ago. May we be vigilant in doing so with
everyone we encounter.
"Glory to God in the heavenly heights! Peace to all men and
women on earth who please Him." The Message
Monday, December 11
Mike Kirk
Theme: Peace – John 14:26-27
Why Are You Afraid?
There is much to fear and be troubled about these days. The daily
news stories are about rogue dictators brandishing nuclear
weapons, mass shootings at concerts and churches, terror attacks
with vehicles, and moral failings in all walks of society.
At a time when the Romans, Herodians, Zealots, Greeks,
Samaritans and Jews lived in constant conflict with each other,
Jesus said to his disciples “do not be afraid.” He promised a peace
from God, a peace that the world could not offer. During this
Advent season, pray that our world might receive God's peace.
News stories aren't the only cause of fear. Sometimes, stairs
become fearful to navigate, or a leaky roof or damaged floor
causes a heart to be troubled.
It is my great joy to serve as the leader of an organization called
Baptist Builders. We are often seen around the church replacing
suspended ceilings or hanging blinds. We regularly engage the
community by helping numerous individuals and charitable
organizations. Our most rewarding work is seldom seen when we
assist our fellow church members who need a ramp or minor home
repair. Jesus taught that our response to troubled hearts and fear is
to love and serve each other. Fear not, be a blessing!
I will hold the Christ-light for you, In the night time of your fear.
I will hold my hand out to you; Speak the peace you long to hear. –
The Servant Song by Richard Gillard (1976)
Tuesday, December 12
John Noblin and family
Theme: Peace – Romans 14:13-18
In today’s passage of Scripture, God calls us to lift up our brothers
and sisters. This directive applies not only to those who are around
us every day (our families, friends, fellow church members,
coworkers, etc.), but also to those who are our brothers and sisters
around the world. One of the ways that many of our church
members are supporting missions around the world is through our
local chapter of Mobility Worldwide. We assemble self-powered
mobility carts, which are then shipped around the world in
conjunction with various mission organizations. The carts enable
people with mobility challenges to use their hands to
independently move around their towns or villages. As they no
longer have to rely on others to provide for their basic needs, their
independence can provide the opportunity for a more fulfilling and
peaceful life.
As the mission organizations with whom we partner share these
carts, they also share God’s love, joy, and peace with the
recipients. To date, more than 200 people have received mobility
carts made possible by our local Mobility Worldwide organization.
Please pray for our ministry as we continue to impact people
around the world, but also consider joining us in this practical, life-
changing ministry opportunity. As you experience this advent
season, may you be refreshed by a boundless understanding of
God’s love, joy, hope, and peace!
Wednesday, December 13
Gayla Kidd
Theme: Peace – I Peter 5
As we near the Holy, Holy time of the year celebrating the birth of
Jesus we are charged to remember those children of God who are
not as blessed as some. Having the awesome responsibility and
great pleasure bestowed upon me as the Director of Huntsville
Assistance Program, I see daily the faces of the underserved and
oft times forgotten ones.
Jesus' words recorded in 1st Peter, Chapter 5 says "Feed the flock
of God which is among you". We at HAP believe and follow this
to mean "feed" the entire person, physically, mentally, morally and
spiritually. There is not a person who comes into HAP that does
not get a hug. And we make sure to strive to get to the bottom of
any difficulty our clients may be going though.
Many just ask for short-term assistance but we try to explore the
origin and basis of the struggle each person may be encountering.
We have been greatly blessed in our mission to love and encourage
our brothers and sisters, God's children. With God's blessing and
guidance we will continue this mission with great fervor!
We give thanks to the over 70 churches and many, many
individuals who support HAP. We strive to make sure every gift is
used for God’s glory to meet the needs of the individual or family
who come to HAP for assistance.
Thursday, December 14
Scott Day
Theme: Peace – Ephesians 2:13-14
The context of these two verses is centered on separation. Gentiles
separated from Jews, separated from birth, circumcised separated
from uncircumcised, separated from Christ, separated from Israel,
separated from God’s covenants, separated from hope. And then
Paul gives us verses 13 and 14, writing on the good news of the
atoning nature of Christ’s sacrifice. As the Church, our task should
be to work towards unifying what was separated by pointing others
to what Christ has done.
The term “reconciliation” seems to be a buzz word in our churches
today. But, this is exactly the work Jesus Christ is taking on in this
passage, and throughout history. Verse thirteen begins with, “But
now in Christ Jesus…” Don’t these five words change everything?
Because of Jesus Christ, everything is different. The separation
before of race, ethnicities, belief systems, and promises, became
reconciled when met with the blood of Christ.
There are two Hebrew words in this passage which are key. The
word in verse 14 for “destroy” literally means to loosen something
that has been tied together. The word for “peace” has a communal
meaning, standing for tranquility and rest for a nation or group of
individuals. Too often, we find ourselves tied to our old destructive
tendencies. They squeeze the life out of us and keep us
institutionally roped in. And in the midst of this destruction and
separation, Christ comes and unties the ropes holding us back. He
gives us, all of humanity, rest through only what He can do.
As the Missions Resident, my desire continues to be to reconcile
and transform lives towards Christ, while being reconciled and
transformed myself. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the work
Christ is doing firsthand in Jordan, Butler Terrace, Lowe Mill,
through our Mosaic Service, and beyond. This is the aim of our
mission work and my prayer for the future of this church: to
demonstrate the love of Jesus, to reconcile what has been
separated, and transform lives as we are being transformed
ourselves.
Friday, December 15
Kim Quinn
Theme: Joy – Luke 2:14
Good News…Great Joy
As the angels were praising God more than 2000 years ago, the
GOOD NEWS of Jesus’ birth brings GREAT JOY to children
around the world with the delivery of every Operation Christmas
Child shoebox. The goal of OCC is to share the good news of His
birth and saving grace with children worldwide through shoeboxes
that are tangible expressions of God’s love. Each child that
receives a shoebox at an Operation Christmas Child outreach event
also receives a booklet called “The Greatest Gift” in his or her
language and learns about Jesus’ love for them at that event. The
child is then invited to participate in a 12-week discipleship course
entitled, “The Greatest Journey,” where they will learn who God
is, how to follow God, and how to tell others about God.
Operation Christmas Child is not just about the shoebox. It is
about sharing the eternal present, Jesus Christ, through a gift from
a stranger who cared enough about them to send it. Most of these
children have never received a gift and will experience such joy for
the first time when a shoebox is placed in their hands. The smiles
on their faces show just how excited they are to have a stuffed
animal or a toy. Those same smiles of joy appear when
approximately 2.1 million children per year accept the greatest gift,
Jesus. Thank you for your part in helping millions of children
around the world learn about God’s love for them.
Saturday, December 16
Dennis Brooks
Theme: Joy – Isaiah 9:1-5
The Isaiah passages speak of joy. And in this season joy is always
central though the ministry and missions of First Baptist Church.
One of the great joys of serving in FBC is to be able to go to Perry
County the first week of June each year and assist many people
with needs in housing, community work, and help in our
partnership with Judson College.
We join with Sowing Seeds of Hope who provide support for our
work in this area. Frances Ford is the Executive Director and helps
provide many services to the people of Perry County. We stay in
Judson College dorm rooms and eat in their cafeteria during our
stay making it a low-cost mission and open to families. Flexibility
is important as workers from FBC can come one day, two of three
days, or for the whole week.
Much of the work we do is the result of Perry County’s
predicament of high unemployment. Over the years the agricultural
work that supplied many people with employment changed and
now Perry County and several surrounding counties have many of
its residents traveling an average of 26 miles one way to work.
As we prepare for Advent please pray for the Ministry of Perry
County.
Sunday, December 17
The Third Sunday of Advent
Dr. Jerry Graham
Theme: Joy – Psalm 16
As I write this I am preparing to take a team November 19- 25,
2017 into Haiti. How fitting to have these words of David in
Psalm 16 made fresh on my mind and see their applicability in this
work. Many weeks of preparation culminate into six busy days of
clinics seeing locals, dispensing medicines, eyeglasses, and
presenting Bibles and telling of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 16:3 There are "saints in the land in whom we delight". The
Convention Baptiste Nationale D'Haiti (National Baptist
Convention of Haiti) is our partner for this work in Petite Goave
Haiti. These pastors are believers who study God's word and live
out their beliefs. These Pastors CANNOT say, as Psalm
16:5, "you have given me my portion and my cup and my lot is
secure", when referring to their physical possessions but they are
secure in their spiritual lot and praise the LORD who counsels
them even at night.
Psalm 16:7 As we, the team members, climb up narrow rocky dirt
paths to reach "church" buildings which have no finished floors
nor complete side walls (this is good to allow natural light in for us
to read labels); we go only according to Psalm 16:8 "the LORD is
set before us and is at our right hand, we will not be shaken". We
have adversities such as being exposed to germs which our bodies
cannot easily combat. We become the sick trying to help those
more seriously sick. We have the adversity of seeing a rigid
broken ankle from a motorcycle accident which needs to be "re-
broken and reset" in surgery. We have the adversity of changing
work locations when the roads become impassable after rains. We
pray.
Psalm 16:9 At the end of the day "our hearts are glad and we
rejoice" securely knowing that our bodies will also have rest. We
are joyful each time we know we have the correct eye drops to
treat a serious eye infection. We show the love of Jesus in our
work and in his name we offer, Psalm 16:11 "the path of life filled
with joy in His presence". You are welcome to join us on this
Mission of JOY.
Monday, December 18
Scott Day
Theme: Joy – Psalm 30
The Sacredness of Space
The Celtics refer to certain regions and moments as “thin spaces”;
places where the line between what is real and what is heavenly
becomes nearly indistinguishable and the presence of God is
almost tangible.
Psalm 30 narrates the path of faith within a metaphor: the
Jerusalem Temple. This is the place where God was thought to
reside, and is the dedication for Psalm 30. This place was
intrinsically holy, yet throughout this text we see God moving not
throughout the Temple, but within the life of David, weaving
through his struggles and joys. We see his pain (v. 3), and yet we
also see his worship (v. 5). Eugene Peterson translates the last
verse by writing, “You changed wild lament into whirling dance;
you ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with
wildflowers. I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about
you.”
In David’s reflection, he sees God is in both the day-to-day
struggles, but also in all of eternity. This text reminds me of one
Jewish understanding of the story of the burning bush in Exodus. It
is taught the miracle was not a single bush aflame in the midst of
holy ground, but instead that every bush is on fire, all places are
holy ground, and the miracle was Moses seeing it for the first time.
As the Missions Resident here at FBC, I’ve begun to see all of our
ministries as holy ground; places where we can see God moving,
indwelling, and causing us to burst with joy at what God is doing
in and through us. David’s psalm shows us that when we look back
and see what God has done, through our spiritual deaths and
resurrections, the only reaction we can have is joy.
Tuesday, December 19
Rev. Alex and Vanesa De Rubeis
Theme: Joy – Psalm 84
How beautiful it is to be able to find our refuge in the Presence of
God, what a great blessing it is to discover that in Him we have a
joy and a superior Strength, in spite of the trials that we can go
through. - Psalm 84
When we went as a family on our first missionary trip to New
Zealand, along with our little daughter who was barely two, we felt
a great expectation mixed with faith and lack of experience. We
had always served in our local church with people from our same
culture. We knew that we were entering a season of change
without knowing what to expect and knew we would be on a great
adventure. In the midst of such an enormous step of obedience we
would hold all things lightly. All the important things to us might
be taken away; our small apartment, our beloved families, being
without close friends for years. But when we arrived, all things
were put in perspective, because we knew what it is to be in the
perfect will of the Lord. It brought a joy, even when we might feel
that we would not succeed, we would experience what it says in
this Psalm 84. The Lord never took away the good, he heard every
prayer, and made us see how beautiful and renewing His
wonderful Presence is.
Today, as missionaries from Argentina in Alabama, we continue to
experience that joy that surpasses the difficult times and that joy
that brings strength. It compels us more than ever to share the love
of Christ, who is in us, the hope of Glory. On this day I invite you
to seek Christ. Go to Him and experience the joy that He alone can
give you in the midst of difficulties of your life. You will see you
can with all your soul let the praise and adoration of your Heart
flow. As the verse 2 of this psalm expresses, may your heart rest in
Hope that those who wait for the Lord, and learn to delight in Him,
will never be ashamed or confused.
Wednesday, December 20
Mike Pearce (written on behalf of a pastor overseas)
Theme: Joy – Philippians 4:6-9
This passage in Philippians is a magnificent passage for all in
difficult situations but also practical as I have this pastor in mind.
He and his family are wonderful servants of the Lord in a difficult
situation. We can say this about many who serve in countries not
open to Christianity. But this pastor has a heart of compassion for
all who have not heard the Good News. I admire his boldness in
visiting in homes of those who have never heard about Jesus and
sharing stories of God’s love. He diligently searches out those who
will listen and finds ways to bring many to Christ.
He has started two churches, many home churches where there are
few believers, and he has begun two schools to those without rights
to education where he is located. He travels many miles each week
to visit with other leaders and provides encouragement and
assistance where needed.
But now, he and his families and his church need your specific
prayers. He has been interrogated by the officials because of some
reports about him in the community. Because he is bold and
forthright he answered their questions with honesty and integrity.
Now, he is being asked to stop evangelizing people in the
communities in which he is working. He has told the officials he
will not.
So pray for peace, pray for the freedom to carry on his work, and
pray for his and his family’s safety.
Thursday, December 21
Ann Smith and Tom Guffin
Theme: Joy – Luke 2:8-14
One of the greatest gifts God has given to mankind is the ability to
communicate through human tongues. This natural tendency to
create and understand not just individual words for objects, but
whole concepts of speech allows human society to function with
love, joy and fellowship. Not only can we learn and teach our own
language, we can also learn the tongues of other peoples. This
capability is a wonderful tool that every missionary is taught to
use.
In Luke 2, the Bible tells us the story of our Savior’s birth. In it,
the joy of human speech in the worship and praise of the shepherds
and kings, and the glorious music of the angels echoing across the
heavens is an important part of the narrative.
In our ESL classes, we see the same joy of language and devotion
to mission played out every day. We see the excitement of the
teacher/student relationship, the smile on a teacher’s face when a
student suddenly understands a concept and begins to speak
English. We see it again when the students quote a Bible verse in
English, and when the friendship between teacher and student
deepens. Another joy is the celebration of a student becoming a
citizen of our great land.
The joy of teaching English and participating in the many
opportunities to serve in the ESL program is exemplified in the
happy faces of the volunteers who keep the program going from
week to week
God bless our volunteers and students!
Friday, December 22
Rick and Kathy Nelson
Theme: Joy – Matthew 2:7-10
The dictionary defines joy as an emotion of delight. John Piper
says that Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by
the Holy Spirit… The wise men rejoiced in the certainty of the
child’s birth and the remarkable manner that brought them to
Bethlehem. Our mission team experienced great joy in October as
God brought medical/dental services to an estimated 600 Syrian
refugees in two Jordanian villages. In the clinics and in home
visits (apartment and tent) we shared medical and dental care, food
parcels, tea, gifts, conversation and prayer. To our great delight a
refugee woman prayed to accept our Father and a refugee man
accepted a copy of the Book in his language. We continue to pray
that the words of the Book will change his life and the lives of his
family. Some 2000 years have come and gone and His words
continue to bring true joy in dark places and dark situations. We
rejoice in the certainty that He is at work and we are so grateful
that we got to join Him.
Saturday, December 23
Annie Gygax
Theme: Love – I John 3:16-18
When I read this passage, I’m reminded of so many moments and
stories of my experiences with the student ministry of FBC. It is no
exaggeration to say that the love that my FBC family has shown
me over the past year and a half has changed my life.
So many adults at FBC have made so many sacrifices for our
student ministry. They’ve done this by making and serving us
dinner at Liftoff on Wednesday nights. They’ve done this by
teaching our Sunday school classes. They’ve done this by taking
vacation time from work to chaperone at spring camp or on
summer mission trips. They’ve done this in so many other ways
we’ve probably never even noticed or given them credit. But they
do it because they love us and want to show us how much God
loves us.
In my time as a student at FBC, I had countless opportunities to
share material possessions with those in need. Whether this was
through serving on the line at Manna House on a Wacky
Wednesday, donating books or money to the book drive we
organized for Samuel Pennypacker School, or helping pack
shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, I shared of my time and
resources alongside my amazing brothers and sisters in Christ.
Throughout the fun and craziness of this Christmas season, take a
moment to just slow down and love on the people around you. If
you are able, share your resources or your time with a local
ministry or charity. And as always, keep the FBC student ministry
in your prayers. The students of FBC appreciate your prayers,
support, and mentorship more than you will ever know. Thank you
for being such incredible role models of how to love not only in
words and speech, but with actions and in truth.
Sunday, December 24
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Christmas Eve
Mike Pearce, Minister of Missions at First Baptist Huntsville
Theme: Love – I Corinthians 13
The greatest of these is love. Everywhere in the Bible we see the
love of God resulting in the redemption of the people he loves. It
can only be God’s love that would allow His Son to endure the
punishment for our sins and allow us to receive His wonderful
grace. We see this as a dim visualization in the events of the birth
of the Christ-Child. All those events around his birth were
wonders. Mary and Joseph had just a glimpse of what God had in
store for all humanity through this child.
For me, I see God’s love most clearly through Jesus’s death and
resurrection. Jesus’ love for us is most vibrant when we consider
his suffering for us.
But I find in my favorite chapter in the New Testament, Chapter 13
of John’s gospel, a prime example and a wonderful look into the
window of God’s love. It is the chapter where Jesus washes the
disciples’ feet. In that moment of humbling himself, Jesus
demonstrated not only love but a perfect image of how important it
is that we become servants of God. The very idea of Jesus, God
himself, humbling himself before the disciples, showing all His
love in this simple action, brings a great wave of emotion spilling
over me. It is a stunning depiction of a magnificent God loving you
and me.
Please take time on this Christmas Eve to think of the great love of
God and how much he desires an intimate, personal relationship
with us.
Go with His love.
Monday, December 25
Christmas Day
Elaine Dickson
Theme: Love – Luke 2:1-7
I wonder how Joseph and Mary felt about leaving their hometown
to travel approximately 100 miles to Bethlehem. Did they resent
the journey, thinking that the timing could not have been worse, or
were they resigned to doing what was expected of them to fulfill
the census requirements? Whatever they felt, I am amazed that
Scripture was fulfilled in an extraordinary way, using ordinary
circumstances. A secular order was woven into the sacred order of
God’s plan to show His love for the world by sending His Son to
be our Savior.
At Christian Women’s Job Corps®, all of the women whom we
serve are on a journey. Their paths may be long, tedious, or even
dangerous. God manages to lead them to us through a variety of
situations, bringing them to a place where they can receive His
love. He has much more in store for them than learning computer
skills, creating a new resume, or receiving job training through an
internship. We often hear from our students that our ministry is so
much more than they ever expected. I believe this is because our
ladies learn that God loves them and has a plan for their lives.
When they experience the love of Christ and begin or grow in a
relationship with Him, they realize that the journey that led them to
Him was worth everything they encountered!
Pray that all of the women that we serve will experience Christ’s
love and His saving grace.
Author Biographies
Neal Hadaway – former missionary to Tajikistan for 12 years, and
now a missionary with the North America Mission Board. Neal
grew up in First Baptist Church, son of Bill and Joann Hadaway
Charles Kingman – former missionary to the Middle East
Missy Ward Angalla – Missionary to Uganda – ministers to over
500 women in need a week and provides multiple ministries to
help job skills in both men and women
Paul and Sharon Ward Bowers – Paul and Sharon work as
administrators with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New
Guinea where nearly 300 language groups are still without any
scripture. Sharon grew up in First Baptist and is the daughter of
Ross and Nancy Ward
Susan Tidwell Graham – former missionary to Mali Africa –
Susan grew up in First Baptist – now a nurse and lives in
Tennessee
Lakshmi Nallamala - Executive Director, Lincoln Village
Ministry, a premier ministry that provides tools for that area for
community development. Our Baptist Builders have been working
in partnership, hand in hand with Lincoln Village for over 15 years
Bill McDowell - Executive Director of Second Mile Ministry. This
ministry sponsors Parent Initiatives in more than a dozen schools
to help parents help their children excel in school. They also
provide a preschool ministry to low-income single mothers along
with backpacks, clothing, furniture, and young children resources
during the year
Beverly Brown – Team Leader for the First Baptist partnership
with Lakewood Elementary – Beverly helps set up the “Study
Buddies,” provides wonderful teacher and staff appreciation,
support to the First Baptist “weekend food ministry” and many
other ways of caring to Lakewood community
Mike Kirk – Mike provides leadership to the Baptist Builders,
Perry County, and many work projects in our community and at
First Baptist
John Noblin and family – John has had a major role in helping
the Mobility Worldwide ministry (formally known as PET)
develop into a wonderful mission to people who do not have the
use of their legs all over the world. John served as President of the
Board for over three years during its formation period
Gayla Kidd – Executive Director of Huntsville Assistance
Program. She has provided leadership to this vital assistance
service to thousands of people in our community. They provide
help with utilities, rent or mortgage help, micro loans for dental
work, and in many other unique ways of ministry. She is
instrumental in making sure every person is served with Christ’s
love
Scott Day – Missions Resident – First Baptist Huntsville
Kim Quinn - Kim serves as the lay coordinator for First Baptist’s
work with Operation Christmas Child. She provides
encouragement for year-round collection and purchase of items to
be used in shoe boxes. Kim’s passion for the gospel being
presented to children around the world is profound and infectious
to all around her
Dennis Brooks – Dennis is the lead for the Perry County Mission
– He provides leadership and planning for all the projects and
works closely with Sowing Seeds of Hope, a ministry to residents
of Perry County.
Dr. Jerry Graham – Dr. Graham’s love for missions is evident in
his many years of taking multiple medical mission trips to many
places around the world but in the last several years has focused on
ministry to Haiti and to the Dominican Republic.
Scott Day – Missions Resident to First Baptist Huntsville
Alex and Vanesa De Rubeis - missionaries from Argentina and
Hispanic pastors of Aviva Church, Huntsville Alabama
Ann Smith and Tom Guffin – Co-Directors of English as a
Second Language – ESL is a wonderful gift to people from all over
the world who live in our area. This ministry provides help
understanding and speaking/writing the English language. Over 75
people from 31 different countries meet each Thursday. ESL
celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2018.
Rick and Kathy Nelson – Rick and Kathy have severed many
years in missions around the world and have been to the Middle
East on 10 mission trips. Their love for missions is reflected in
their passion to reach people for Christ. Kathy is also the First
Baptist WMU director.
Annie Gygax – Annie is a freshman at the University of Alabama
in Huntsville and active in the FBC Student Ministry.
Mike Pearce – Minister of Missions at First Baptist Huntsville
Elaine Dickson – Elaine is the Executive Director of Christian’s
Women Job Corp – a ministry devoted to helping women prepare
for employment though an educational, internship, and mentoring
process.
Advent Message Series Travis Collins, Senior Pastor
Advent 1: December 3
Sermon: Christmas and the Gift of Low Self-Esteem
Advent 2: December 10
Sermon: The Passover Lamb
Advent 3: December 17
Sermon: And the Winner is…the Lamb
Advent 4: December 24
Sermon: Three-Mile-an-Hour-God
Christmas Eve Service
More than you can imagine…all you will ever need
Christmas Eve Worship
First Fellowship and Sanctuary Worship will meet at the regular
times on Sunday morning, December 24. There will be no Sunday
Morning Bible Study on this day. The Mosaic Service will not
meet, rather everyone is invited to attend the Christmas Eve
Candlelight Communion Service at 5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service
Sanctuary, 5:00 p.m.
The entire church family comes together for one service on this
Holy Night. We will observe the Lord’s Supper and light the
candles which remind us that the Light of the World has come into
our hearts this Christmas season.