All the material trappings of the season can add nothing to the internal and infinite Joy that comes from knowing Jesus.
Let's share more than just a birth announcement. Let's share the whole story. Why did Jesus come to earth?
Light can be a comfort or a disturbance. Salt can add flavor to your life or burn an open wound. We can only be what we are. People will appreciate it or not. We cannot choose their response or hide who we are.
If we have learned anything from what we have been through, it is this: Now it is time to live for the will of God. Suffering teaches us that everything we enjoy can be taken away, except for Jesus. And, Jesus is enough.
The Apostles' Creed says of Jesus, "He descended into Hell." What does that mean? Was He tortured? Who did He talk to? What did He say?
Pastor Bob talks to us about obligation we have to be thankful each and everyday, not just once a year.
What if we do what is right and end up suffering for it? That stinks, right? Or... are we blessed? What do we think being blessed means? How is suffering a blessing?
Doesn't it seem like Christians are more concerned with whether you smoke or curse than how you treat people? I'm pretty sure God is more concerned about how we treat people. Are we merciful, compassionate, respectful? Might want to step it up.