This coming Sunday, the Covenant Ensemble will give Pastor Don an early Christmas present. Their plan is to provide a Covenant Christmas Musical instead of having Pastor Don provide a traditional sermon. In keeping with our new Christmas tradition of my providing Advent messages each week from Sarah Young’s new devotional, Jesus Calling For Christmas, I have found a message from her that I believe is ideal for this Sunday’s service. Here it is, and I hope you enjoy it…….
Sarah’s message begins …. Sing for Joy to Me, your Strength. Christmas music is one of the best blessings of the season, and it doesn’t have to cost you anything. You can sing the carols at church or in the privacy of your home – or even in your car. As you are making a joyful noise, pay close attention to the words. They are all about Me and my miraculous entrance into your world through the virgin birth. Singing from your heart increases both your Joy and your energy. It also blesses Me.
I created you to glorify Me and enjoy Me forever. So it’s not surprising that you feel more fully alive when you glorify Me through song. I want you to learn to enjoy Me in more and more aspects of your life. Before you arise from your bed each morning, try to become aware of My Presence with you. Say to yourself: “Surely the Lord is in this place.” This will awaken your awareness to the wonders of My continual nearness. I will fill you with Joy in My Presence.
Sarah then concludes with the following scripture:
Psalm 81:1 – Sing for Joy to God our Strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob!
Psalm 5:11 – But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with Joy.
Genesis 28:16 – When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”
Acts 2:28 – You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with Joy in Your Presence.
Tina has told me that the title of their Christmas Musical is Start at the Manger, which also has been Joe Morgan’s favorite Christmas song as long as I have known him. I am sure this will be a great Christmas service, and I encourage everyone to attend who can possibly make it.
Also remember that Pastor Don and Diane will host a Covenant Christmas Social at their home at 4 PM also this Sunday, located at 10401 SW 8th Avenue. We ask attendees to please bring their favorite appetizer to share with others.
This Sunday will be a very positive celebration of Christmas, both the Christmas Musical followed by the Covenant Christmas Social at the Mauldin home. We hope many people will be able to attend both of these events.