Be Still and Kn
ow I Am GOD… These words are running through my head as I hurriedly go from one task to the next this month. I really thought I would do better this year since this is the focus and theme of Advent at RCC. I know all of the things I am busy doing are good, fun things to do at Christmas time, but to God they are not as important as me being still before Him, the reason for the season. So… it is not too late for me to spend some quiet time with God reflecting on his rich blessings He has gifted to me. I am determined to do better!
As parents of young children, I can imagine how much harder this whole concept of being still before God must be for you, but it is not too late for you either. I thought my youngest daughter had a great idea for her two school age boys as they struggled to find a way to spend time in the Word each night. As part of their required reading time from school she had her boys, immediately after school, read a certain amount of time from their Bibles and then something else of their choice for the remainder of the required time. They were able to meet their school requirements and spend time in God’s Word before their busy evening of sports started. Soon after this routine started, one of my grandsons told his mom he was enjoying reading his Bible so much he didn’t want to choose another book to finish his reading time but would just read more chapters in his Bible. What an unexpected blessing to his mom (and Mamie).
If you have school age children, maybe this could be the time you and the kids are still before God each day together. No matter how hard these disciplines are for us adults, we need to master them so we can pass them on to our kids and grandkids.
O God, forgive me when I ignore you for the busyness of this world. You so deserve all my attention. Help me to be still and know you are God. Amen
In the month of December our 3-5 year-old kids will discover Christmas is the time we celebrate the good news of Jesus’ birth. The Christmas story is retold every week, but with a slightly different focus each time.
The K-1st grade kids are learning about God’s greatest gift to us: His Son, Jesus. Each week kids will learn about the Christmas story, including the appearance of angels to Mary and the shepherds, Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, and the baby Jesus being born and laid in the manger. They will be given the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to recognize that Christmas is all about God’s greatest gift to us. Jesus is our Savior and He came to save us from our sins so we can be part of God’s family.
The 2nd and 3rd graders are learning about Christmas being the season of Christ’s birth. They will hear Jesus is the Greatest News and God sent Him and wants them to remember He is what Christmas is all about. They will learn God sent His Son to be their Savior.
Don’t forget to join us this Sunday at 4:30 for the much anticipated Children’s Christmas Celebration. We will present a short program and enjoy pizza and cake with sides from you and fun games and Christmas crafts. Not to forget the Adults Only Outrageously Festive Christmas Sweater Contest. It will be way too much fun, so come join us!
May you and your family have a meaningful Christmas and may God Bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and give you peace.
Dar Muehlhausen