Let us go to Bethlehem

Have you ever wanted to see something so badly that you got up and almost ran out the door or pulled your car over and stopped on the side of the road to see what was going on? There are many things in life that prick our curiosity and we want to find out more. This is what happened to the Shepherds. They heard the news and then they went to see for themselves. They wanted to meet this newborn king.

What do we do when we hear God's good news? Do we want to learn more or are we content with the Sunday morning sermon? God came to earth to restore our relationship with God. He came to break down the wall of sin that separates us from God. This is good news a savior has been born for you and for me. He not only wants us to hear the good news he wants us to come and worship him and to have an intimate relationship with him each and every day. Come let us see this wonderful thing that the Lord has made know unto us.

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." Luke 2:15

Pastor Mark Friedrich

Do not be Afraid

What do you fear? I know one lady who was deathly afraid of mice. She did not even like Mickey Mouse. I know others who are afraid of the dark or being caught in an elevator or of being alone but there are greater fears. We can be afraid of all kinds of things in this world because there are many things in this world that we have no control over but take heart!  Our God has overcome the world.

When the angels appeared to the shepherds they were afraid but the angels said to them,  "Fear not because I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." Do you hear what I hear? This good news was not just for the shepherds,  it is good news for us as well. We need to hear those words each day.  Fear not because God has some good news for us.

What is that good news? It is that our savior has been born. Jesus is the Savior of the world. In fact he is the only savior of the world because he did what no other has ever done. He fulfilled God's law perfectly. He took our place under the law and then God made him who had no sin to be sin for us. All our sins were placed upon Jesus and he alone died for the sins of the world. He has saved us from sin, death and the power of the devil. No longer do we need to fear because he holds our future in his loving hands. Joy to the world the Lord is come!

"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.'" Luke 2:10-11

Pastor Mark Friedrich

No Room in the Inn

How would you describe your life? Busy? Hectic? Overwhelming? It seems this time of year we have a flurry of activities and gatherings to go to. It hardly seems like we can get all our shopping done along with all the other preparations that we must do. Where is that Peace on Earth and good will towards all mankind? Maybe we need to unplug the Christmas tree machine. Instead of trying to add to our business let's slow down and focus on what is truly important.

When our Savior was born there was no room for him in the Inn but that did not stop him from coming. He came born of a virgin, born under the law to redeem us who were under the condemnation of the law. The Savior's birth was announced to shepherds who were out in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night. They stopped what they were doing and came to worship the Christ child and then went out to tell the world about the birth of this baby boy. The Wise men came from the east to worship and honor this new born king. May we by God's grace take time today to go and sing the praises of him who has brought us out of the darkness of sin and death into the light of his love and forgiveness.

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."  Luke 2:6-7

Pastor Mark Friedrich

Give You Peace

Have you ever wanted peace? Have you tried to find it? Have you tried all sorts of ways to get it? Does it seem like peace alludes you? Then go to the source of peace. Jesus said "Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy ladened and I will give you rest. Cast all your anxieties upon me because I care for you. Peace I give,  my peace I leave with you not as the world gives do I give unto you therefore let not your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

The peace that God gives is a peace of knowing that our future is secure. Nothing will ever separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. We have peace knowing that nothing will ever separate us from God's love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Each and every day God places his peace upon us as he promises never to leave us and never forsake us.

God told Aaron to place his name upon the Israelites with these words.   "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;  the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."'  "So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them." Numbers 6:24-27

Now live each day in the peace that only God can give. Daily go to the source and drink deeply from his word and trust in his promises. If God is for us who can be against us. He who gave his own son up for us will he not also with him freely give us all good things?

Pastor Mark Friedrich

Sing for Joy

I think most of us like to sing or to listen to music. There is something about music that fits our moods and lightens our spirit. Even people who cannot carry a tune in a bucket love to sing. God gave us this wonderful ability and I think it is one of the best gifts we have. God also gives us many reasons to sing.

I cannot tell you how many times I have sung praises to him when the sun rises or sets, when I see a rainbow in the sky or stand at the top of the Grand Canyon. I also thank God because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. The psalmist says he sings for joy because God is our refuge and protection. He is the God who loves us and whom we love. We rejoice because blesses us and keeps us safe from all harm. He surrounds us with his favor and blessing each and every day. How many times do we thank him for all these blessings. Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again REJOICE!

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.  For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield."  Psalm 5:11

Pastor Mark Friedrich