December 25, 2011 by Worship Director.

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.  We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. - John 1:14

Before He sprung into the mortal world, before the starlit night, God was known only in scrolls and stories of old; distant, dusty, far away. He made the Word jump off the page, out of memory, and into life. Hands, feet, heart, embodying the Love that had always been, but rarely experienced.

The miracle of His birth, the magnetism of His life, the misery of His death and the majesty of His resurrection demonstrate the glory of a real and personal God.  Grace, unconditional love, undeserved forgiveness all brought to life in the form of a Baby; gentle, vulnerable, irresistible.

Joy to the world – the Lord has come – to all who have made room for Him!

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December 23, 2011 by Worship Director.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. -Matthew 2:11

The Wise men brought the most precious gifts money could buy to present in worship to the Messiah.  But their real gift began long before they found the Child; it was in the seeking, the study, giving their time and engaging their hearts in the search for the Savior.  They believed without seeing, taking a journey of faith that may have seemed unending, but that brought them the satisfaction of a lifetime.

The gift they gave was themselves.

The gift they received was priceless.

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December 21, 2011 by Worship Director.

But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. - 1 John 1:7

Christmas is a festival of lights.  It is a time when we celebrate the Light of the World born on earth, by the light of a heavenly star.  But if the spark of Christ is not born in our hearts, shining through our life, lighting our way, then we will miss the brilliance of Christmas and continue our stumbling through a world of darkness.

Once ignited, we can’t hide the light or live without its warmth.  How can we keep it to ourselves while so many others are still out in the cold and dark? Through our gifts to the church, we can light the way and spark more flames, for many more people, than we can do on our own.

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December 18, 2011 by Worship Director.

For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth. - John 4:24

It’s not just at Christmas time that we worship the Christ Child.  It’s not just inside a church building or event that He is present with us.  Our God doesn’t live within time and space as we do, nor is He contained in a book or limited by our understanding.  By focusing on His Truths (like love, compassion, surrender, service) and following by faith alone, we can connect to His Spirit so that every breath is worship and every step has purpose.

During this season, if we stop long enough to listen, prepare ourselves to hear, and execute God’s plan as revealed to us, we can then resume our lives with a fresh understanding of how we can become new every day.

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December 14, 2011 by Worship Director.

I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.   – 1 Corinthians 9:27, The Message

God’s plans for us always involve His plans for others.  Our lives have a complicated plot line with the entrances and exits of many, many people: main characters, supporting players, comic relief, tragic figures, some with recurring roles and some that simply brush pass us as they cross through. Executing His plan for us requires that we be aware of how our story will impact all the others.  Be alert to those around us, be conditioned to recognize the opportunities before us, and be ready to respond in a way that will show them how to execute God’s plan for their lives.

Through our efforts we can prepare the way for others to have the most meaningful Christmas ever.

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December 11, 2011 by Worship Director.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” - Jeremiah 29:11

God laid the plan.  It is our job to execute the plan; to move the strategy into implementation and live it out through faith and focus. We may have many “make it work” moments, but that is just part of the adventure story. The best stories all have twists and turns, challenges and antagonist’s tricks, but they also end in happily-ever-after. That’s the tale that has been crafted for us between the covers of our life, but we must turn the first page to begin the hero’s journey.

Christmas is the perfect time to embark, a moment when our stories can intersect with the greatest story ever told.  When we allow the master author, map maker and strategist to design our plan and write our life, we can be assured of a happy ending.

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December 9, 2011 by Worship Director.

This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began just as the prophet Isaiah had written:

“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
and he will prepare your way.
He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
Clear the road for him!’”

This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.  All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am — so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals.  I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”

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December 8, 2011 by Worship Director.

And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. - Acts 3:5

The begger at the Jerusalem gate looked to the disciples with expectation. He was hoping for just a few coins.  How short sighted? Little did he know what was at the end of his small request.  Being in the right place at the right time, he picked the right travelers to extend his gaze.  He didn’t know it at the time, but it had been prepared for him – all he had to do was ask.  What might he have received if his expectation had been greater?  What is in store for us?

Prepare and anticipate something great!

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December 7, 2011 by Worship Director.

Come, thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel’s Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art!
Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a King.
Born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious Kingdom bring.

 - Charles Wesley, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

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December 5, 2011 by Worship Director.

The Ladies Christmas Brunch, hosted at Community Bible Fellowship on December 3, 2011, was a beautiful time for ladies “of all ages” to spend time together kicking off this festive season.  While using the national Christian Women Connection program titled “Making Room” we learned about Las Posadas, which represents the journey of Mary and Joseph who found “no room in the inn.”  Traditional Mexican foods and beverages were served and several of the women of our congregation shared their own Las Posadas experiences.

To infuse an Austin connection, Sandy Alcala, Executive Director of the local nonprofit “Con Mi Madre,” shared about their work with Hispanic mothers and daughters to strengthen educational opportunities for this growing sector of our population.  Guests attending the Brunch brought gifts and gift cards to support the Con Mi Madre Wish List.  The more we learn, the more we know, and the more we are able to reach out and open our hearts to the needs in our communities.

On December 18, we will participate in the Christ Birthday Observance, sponsored by the national Christian Women Connection of the Church of God.  An offering will be raised at that time to support the important missions and missionaries - both at home and around the world - through this special collection.  You are invited to participate as you “make room” for Jesus this season and spread His message of love.

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