December 23, 2010 The Big Trip 2-4

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid." I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.

Good Schools and families day, greetings to you, my dear sisters and brothers. Schools and families day and on this day I get to go to a few public schools as Santa and tell the real reason for Christmas... as I stand in my Santa suit and tell of the manger. GOD IS GOOD AND STILL OPENS THOSE DOORS, FOLKS.

Please keep praying for Kathleen, and Ron, both who have cancer. Also pray for Pearl and her family. And pray for all pastors today, all of them that during this time when they get extra people coming to church. A nice time to preach and teach Salvation. Prayers also for Eleanor Saylor. And prayers for Dan and Bob as they travel on this holiday season. Be careful on the roads.

The Big Trip 2-4: Luke 2:8 - And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid." I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. (NIV)

Yesterday we were at the Inn and found out that there was not enough room there for Joseph, Mary and our Little Lord Jesus. We also found that it did not make a difference and the Innkeeper seeing Mary was about to have a child told them they could go to the barn. Then the child was born and now the announcements start going out...

When people have a baby now, the parents send out pictures and an announcement that a child has been born. Sent by mail or maybe even e-mail, oftentimes when one receives the notice or announcement they send a gift to the parents for that child. Soon we will talk about gifts being brought to The Christ Child, but let's talk first about the gifts that The Christ Child will bring upon us.

First let's talk about the Love that this Child brought us, and that would be the same with all babies, they should be bringing love for the family, and also friends and bring love and joy through out their lives. But the Love that came from The Christ Child went far beyond that of a normal child. The Love of This Special Child was that He was born to die so we might live. But His gift of Love went far, far beyond just coming to die for us and for our sins.

First, right from the start, He showed us all that a child should be carried and not aborted, well, Joseph and Mary showed us that. But this special child gave to us all His short life and is still giving from His heart to all of us. Over the time between now and Easter we will be talking about all the things that This Child did for us as He grew up. We will talk about how He showed us all how to live. He showed us how to treat others and how to love. I am excited just getting ready for this. But for now, let's just go back to those announcements made by the angel of the Lord.

The Bible tells us that the Angel of the Lord and more than likely Gabriel since he has been mentioned in most of the records that have been set in our Bibles. The angels went to the fields nearby, where the shepherds were watching their flocks, and more than likely these shepherds were nearby watching over the top of the flock or the lambs that are used on the Altars to sacrifice to the Lord. Stop and think about this, these shepherds are about to lose their jobs for we know that this Baby, our Lord Jesus, is The Lamb of God and will be sacrificed for all of us to cover our sins. The lambs and sheep will be used for food and the wool. Shepherds will still be needed, but part of the jobs will be gone, out sourced so to speak, to our Lord Jesus... Tomorrow, Christmas Eve... Online communion, so bring it to your computer. Let's come and let's get cleaned up for Christmas, now since getting all dressed up, and not getting rid of the stains... Amen.

Dear Father in Heaven, Thank You for coming just to die for my sins and the sins of all people in the world, regardless of their color or how they speak, or who there are or even what religion they are... You are The Savior of the World and the Greatest Gift we have or ever will have received. Thank You for showing me how to live, Jesus, and I am sorry it took so long and I am sorry I still mess up. Help us this day and please heal, Kathleen, Ron, Eleanor and my wife Dolores. And please keep the highways open and safe for Dan and Robert. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Go Forth and share your blessings and remember Communion Tomorrow... Also, going to Church Christmas Eve. You are welcome at the Bridges... Service time for the Candlelight Communion service is 6.30 PM. Please arrive early... Love ya, Pastor Dan.

The Bridges Of Bent Creek
2100 Bent Creek Blvd
Mechanicsburg, Pa. 17050

Phone Pastor Dan for directions... 717 991 0754