Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, December 24, 2023
The prophet Isaiah begins his announcement of God doing something new by saying, "For those who walked in darkness…….those who lived in a land of deep darkness……on them a light has shined." God shows up when the world seems dark.
In a land shrouded in darkness, Isaiah the prophet proclaims that a new dawn has risen and new life begins. In the shadow of persistent fear, God sends a light. When the fog seems to swallow up hope, God lifts the fog with the birth of a child.
Peace will come through the birth of a child. A helpless infant will have the world's authority rest upon his shoulders. A vulnerable baby will be Emmanuel, God with us.
As Christians, we grab hold of the promise of Isaiah's prophecy and claim the child promised in Isaiah to be Emmanuel is who we find in Jesus. Jesus is God with us.
We could claim that God doesn't do suffering, pain, or brokenness. We could say God doesn't do agony, hurt, or helplessness. But it wouldn't be true. Regarding the deep darkness that falls over our world, God has a response: Emmanuel - God with us!
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Merry Christmas!
Jamey
(Music performed by the Modern Worship Team of Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekly Prayer
Heavenly Father,
In the shadow of our darkest nights, where despair seems to grip our hearts, You bring forth a radiant light. As Isaiah foretold, in a world cloaked in deep darkness, Your light has shone brightly, piercing through our fears and uncertainties.
In the quiet whispers of the night, You sent us a promise, a beacon of hope in the form of a child. This helpless infant, cradled in humility, bears the weight of the world's authority. In His vulnerability, we find our strength; in His simplicity, the depth of Your love.
Emmanuel, God with us, You chose to dwell among us, embracing our pain, suffering, and brokenness. You are present in our agony, our hurt, and our helplessness. In the birth of Jesus, we find the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, the embodiment of Your love and light in our lives.
Lord, as we navigate through the fog of our trials, remind us of Your constant presence. Lift the fog with the hope Jesus brings, the promise of peace, and the assurance of Your unending love. May we hold fast to the truth that You are there, Emmanuel, God with us in our deepest darkness.
In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
2023 Christmas Festival Concert
2023 Christmas Festival Concert presented by Gainesville First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir and Orchestra
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
What did Luke Skywalker say after he planted a Christmas tree farm? May the forest be with you!
How do the elves clean Santa's sleigh? Santa-tizer!
Wisdom Nugget: Anyone can do it once. The key to success is to do it consistently.
A Question to Consider: What did I not do this year because of fear? (What steps can I take to do it this year despite having fear?)
Photo Taken By Me
Book I am Reading this Week
A Nazareth Manifesto: Being with God by Samuel Wells
Articles worth reading, videos worth watching, and/or podcasts worth listening to
Finnish mothers have been receiving a free 'baby box' of essentials for 84 years and it's amazing
Why People Wait 10 Days to Do Something That Takes 10 Minutes
Why Making Friends in Midlife Is So Hard
Four Views on What American Christians Think About the Israel-Hamas War
Bethlehem Cancels Christmas, But Local Pastors Still Expect a Holy Night
MY FAVORITE ADVENT TRADITION FOR A WEARY WORLD
The Macy's Christmas Tree In Atlanta Has Been Retired After 74 Years
Youtube: Christmas According to Kids - Southland Christian Church (This is a classic)
Instagram: landontalks
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
I am excited to share that this year’s Christmas Eve Offering from Gainesville First United Methodist Church will benefit Love Your Story. Love Your Story’s mission is to provide respite and belonging for families impacted by disabilities. Watch the video to learn more about Molly’s House and prayerfully consider your Christmas Eve Offering gift.
Click Here to Learn More About Love Your Story
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
"Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn't come from a store." - Dr. Seuss, from 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'