CENTERVILLE —
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19
Christmas is almost here! Actually, it never left — It is a time set aside to remember and celebrate. But what do we remember? What do we celebrate?
For many, it’s simply a time to think about presents OR lack of them. For others, it’s a time of sorrow. Missing a loved one this year seems stronger at a time when celebration is advertised for over a month leading up to Christmas. For others it’s a time of bitterness — loss of jobs, dreams and relationships that didn’t pan out, etc.
HOWEVER, if we allow it, Christmas can be a time of peace and joy. Even in the midst of undenied sorrow, God's love can surround and fill us. How?
We must take time to ponder. Like Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus, we can think upon God’s goodness to each one of us. God did not create sin nor force us into sorrow, but God can certainly heal and forgive. If we will but take the time to ponder God’s goodness to us; to see physically and spiritually His plan and purpose for creating us; to rejoice in the sending of Jesus as Messiah, Lord and Savior; to stand in awe of His love, faithfulness, grace and mercy — to invite Him into our lives as almighty God!
Merry Christmas to you. I hope everyone enjoys the festivities of the season. I pray everyone will ponder God reaching down to you with forgiveness and healing as we celebrate His birth among us and with us who have invited Christ in.
Religion
December 16, 2011
Christmas — A Time to Ponder
- Religion
-
- Celebrating the Pentecost Sunday was the day churches around the world celebrated the "Day of Pentecost." Pentecost is the birthday of the church. After that first day of Pentecost, people began to meet as "church families," in those days mostly in their homes; but it was the
- Appanoose County Weekly Meals Everyone is invited to enjoy a free meal and fellowship every Monday at Faith United Methodist Church on Highway 5 South near John Deere. Meals are available from 5-6 p.m. Rides are no longer being offered at the present time. The menu for Monday wil
- They will know we are Christians by our love This Sunday is Pentecost in the Christian community. Some churches celebrate this day a great deal, others almost ignore it completely. When I turn the key to start my car, I don't think much about it. I just expect the car to start and have the powe
-
Ordination to be celebrated Sunday
It is time to celebrate once again at the Fairview Church of the Brethren as we invite you and the surrounding communities to Diane Mason's ordination service at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday. May 19. There will be a carry-in-dinner, no desserts required, aft
- What is God going to do? I've been a member of the Appanoose County Ministerial Association since I came to Centerville almost five years ago. During that time, we've done good ministry together. We've supported The Lord's Cupboard (food bank), Reaching All People Together (
- Baccalaureate to be held May 12 A Baccalaureate Ceremony will be held Sunday, May 12 at 3 p.m. in Simon Estes Auditorium. The public is invited to attend a Baccalaureate Ceremony to celebrate the graduation of the Centerville High School Class of 2013. Lt. Jeremy Quigley will be of
- Appanoose County Weekly Meals Everyone is invited to enjoy a free meal and fellowship every Monday at Faith United Methodist Church on Highway 5 South near John Deere. Meals are available from 5-6 p.m. Rides are no longer being offered at the present time. The menu for Monday
- Appanoose County Weekly Meals Everyone is invited to enjoy a free meal and fellowship every Monday at Faith United Methodist Church on Highway 5 South near John Deere. Meals are available from 5-6 p.m. Rides are no longer being offered at the present time. The menu for Monday wil
- Who's Light Some 40 plus years ago I was shopping at Town East Mall in Wichita, Kansas. By the time I was ready to leave it was dark outside. I noticed there were so many lights in the parking areas and even down Kellogg Street it looked like it was still daylig
- Appanoose County Weekly Meals Everyone is invited to enjoy a free meal and fellowship every Monday at Faith United Methodist Church on Highway 5 South near John Deere. Meals are available from 5-6 p.m. Rides are no longer being offered at the present time. The menu for Monday wi
- Gospel jam planned for May 5 An open gospel jam will be held Saturday, May 5 at 2 p.m. at Brushy Community Church. Everyone is invited to enjoy an afternoon of gospel music and fellowship. It is open to all entertainers who would like to play and sing. A free will offering with
- May breakfast to be held First United Methodist Women will hold a May breakfast on Tuesday, May 7 at 9 a.m. with program by Judy Lawson, "Hats Through the Ages." Tickets will be $5 and are available at the church office at 401 N. Main St. in Centerville or from First United
- Unique ministry coming to Centerville Chalk artist and Bible teacher Randy Davis will present an inspirational, powerful and unique presentation of the Gospel through his unique ministry, "Drawing Closer Ministries" at Centerville Church of the Nazarene at 415 E. Bank St. in Centerville
- New pastor arrives in Centerville The Solid Rock Church of God congregation welcomes a new pastor and his wife to the Centerville area. Pastor Tony Angran and his wife, Diana, have been chosen to pastor the church located at 1220 Rock Valley Road in Centerville. Pastor Angran, who is
-
First Communion retreat held
On Saturday, April 13 a first communion retreat was held at St. Mary's Catholic Church. During the retreat the children made Shepherd's Bread, each child was able to participate in making the bread with the assistance of Joyce Moore. While they waite
- More Religion Headlines
