Greetings in the Name of Jesus Christ,

   Here we are again, another years has passed and the new Christian Year
*Advent* starts. This is a time to look back on the past year and what we have
accomplished and set goals for ourselves and the church for the New Year. This is
a great time of the Christian year as we retell the story of the Birth of Jesus; the
greatest gift of all! God gave it all for us as individuals and the church and
now we challenge each other to give back to God. I stated in my sermon last
week that *good *words* will not do without good *works* * now is the time as
we start the New Year that we should commit ourselves totally to God. In this
advent season my prayers for each one is that God*s blessings and presence be in
every part of your lives. God spirit is moving in Christ Church and people have
accepted Christ as their personal Savior and rededicating their lives to Christ in
the past year! Christ Church has baptized 16 people in the last year and helped
many others with a closer relationship with God. And that*s not counting all
those people we touch each day we don*t know about!

   Advent is the time of retelling the story as we confess and proclaim that *the
Word became flesh and dwelt among us* (John 1:14). This is the great message
of the incarnation, which Jesus Christ was born into human history in the
fullness of time for the salvation of the world. This is what we seek to celebrate,
proclaim and manifest to everyone we come in contact with. It*s a whole lot
more than just a season of Advent! This is a way of life that challenges each one
of us to draw closer to God and our personal relationship with Jesus. What will
be your gift to God in this New Year!

   Advent is the beginning of our Christian Year. It is a time when we prepare
ourselves for the coming of our Messiah. Advent means "Coming." We celebrate
these days of Advent in expectation and preparation for Christ's arrival. Have
you allowed Christ to truly be a part of your life in the past year; to lead, guide
and direct your actions? God is challenging us to more than just talking; this is
a way of life that if done in Christ*s will; can lead others to know Jesus Christ
as their personal savior. The redemption of the world that*s why Christ came to
seek and to save and that should be our number one priority in our personal lives
and the life of the church! Have you lead anyone to the Lord in the past year if
not then that should be first on your list; Christ is the greatest gift we can give
the ones we love. So if you*re wondering what to give that special person this
year give them the love of Christ. You can*t go wrong!

   Through the centuries, Christians have observed a time of waiting and
expectation before celebrating the birth of the Savior at Christmas. The Advent
season is a time for reflection and preparation, but its mood is love, joy, peace
and hope. Advent has been enriched by Christian tradition to reflect its
distinctive Christian meaning. It proclaims the revelation of God's love as
expressed in Christ's birth in a humble stable, His sacrificial death on the cross,
and His victorious resurrection! It points to the hope of Christ's coming again as
the King of kings and Lord of Lords. Advent makes innkeepers out of all of us,
asking each of us to make room for the arrival of Christ *The King*. The
challenge for Christ Church is that each one of us prepares room in our hearts,
our lives, and our homes for Christ*s presence this Christmas Season!

   May each one us experience the powerful presence of Jesus Christ in our lives
as we celebrate the *Coming of The King*! God Bless All and May Everyone
have a wonderful Christmas.

                           Servants of Christ the King,
                                   Pastor Doug, Kim,
                                    JD, Cory, Zack,   
Psa 37:4