Something happens at this time of year, like no other time of the year. People get a little nicer; they actually let you get in the lane in front of them in your car! The songs of the season bring joy. From O Holy Night to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. And you find yourself feeling the joy of the Christmas season.
One evening I found myself texting my sons screenshots of A Charlie Brown Christmas, and Rudolph. Jared wrote back: someone’s feeling nostalgic, huh? Yes! The joy of remembering when we watched those shows put a twinkle in my eye! Joy!
Joy is like an energy force. You can’t destroy energy, you can’t stop it, you can only transform it into some other form of energy. That’s how it is with joy! You can’t destroy it because it keeps coming back. It is a fruit of the Spirit and you cannot destroy the Holy Spirit!
It may take a while, but joy will return, sometimes when you least expect it and in ways that you didn’t anticipate. Because God is faithful. Mary knew about expected (and expecting) joy. Listen to her song:
And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.”
Luke 1:46-48
Joy is not dependent on our circumstances. Lord knows they’re subject to change. And Mary’s circumstances were definitely about to change! True joy is dependent on the One who made us, saved us, and set us on a path that leads to eternal life!
That’s the joy of Mary! It’s not about us, but all about God! That’s why you shouldn’t let anyone steal your joy! As the songwriter said: This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it, and the world can’t take it away!
Joy was set in motion when God spoke the world into existence. And physics folks will tell you that an object in motion will stay in motion unless an outside force hits it. Therefore, the joy that God set in motion from the beginning of time, is still in motion, full speed ahead. Nothing can stop it because there’s nothing greater than God, nothing higher than God, nothing stronger than God. We’ve got joy like a river!
So, this Advent, as we expectantly await Jesus’ return for us, His bride, remember to wait in joy, unstoppable joy!
This Sunday is the third Sunday of the Advent season when we celebrate the joy of Jesus. Joy TO the world because He is joy FOR the world! I invite you to join us for worship, as we continue the Advent Sermon Series: Unstoppable. This Sunday’s message: Unstoppable Joy.
Let There be Heat! Our HVAC unit has been installed, so there will be heat in the Sanctuary!
WOW on Break WOW will be on break until 2025. If you have topics of interest that you would like to study in 2025, please email me. I will be putting a calendar together. And if you have a class that you would like to facilitate, please let me know.
New PT Custodian We welcome our new part-time custodian, Dawn Jones, to the GT staff! Dawn is training with the Morfords, who will be retiring from those duties at the end of the year.
Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 6:30 pm.
Annual Charge Conference will be held on Saturday, January 18, 10:00-11:30am, at Wentzville UMC. This is where the business forms approved by the board are received and affirmed by the congregation. Forms such as Pastoral Compensation, the Trustee Report, and the Membership Report. All members are invited to attend.
Leader Installation & Volunteer Brunch On the first Sunday of 2025 we will install our 2025 Leadership Board and NLDT Team! After worship we will host a Volunteer Brunch to appreciate ALL of our wonderful volunteers who have helped GT to do vital ministry in 2024!
Congratulations to Gavin Hughes, son of Kevin & Amanda Hughes, who was accepted to Washington University and has accepted their offer! We are so proud of you, Gavin! To God be the glory!
Christmas Sunday Next Sunday, let’s wear our favorite Christmas outfits – sweaters or something red. Let’s make the Sanctuary look like one giant poinsettia!
Vision for 2024:
A House United:
Strong Faith, Strong Families, Strong Future!
May your soul magnify the Lord with JOY!
Blessings,
Pastor Linda
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