Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I want to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

While serving at a food distribution ministry, I asked who knew the very first Christmas song. Many replies came from "We Three Kings" to "Rudolph". I was able to share that the very first Christmas song came from the angels that filled the sky singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will to men." This was the song God had sung at the birth of Jesus! Much more than a "Happy Birthday" song for sure.

The first Christmas song brought glory to God and announced His plan to bring peace on the earth. This peace is only found in Jesus Christ. While I really enjoy the songs of Christmas (and wished we sang them all year long), the greatest song is found in the Bible. We do not know the tune but we do know the words. One day we will be able to sing around God's Throne the most beautiful song ever sung. A song that only the redeemed of God can sing!

I pray God has put a new song in your heart and that you will sing it all through 2018!

From the Heart,

Pastor BR

Christmas Names

Names are very important. If you have children then you know the pressure of naming your child. They will be known by that name forever. They will write it and say it millions of times. They will hear it called out in large groups of people and spoken softly one on one.

Much thought is given in considering a name. Should it be a family name? A favorite name? A funny name? Some people like their name while others can’t stand their given name. A few legally change their name.

When God had made His plan to send his Son to be the savior of the world, the name He would be given was very important. The name would not only identify him but also speak to his purpose and character. God gave us his name thousands of years before Jesus was born. Isaiah 9:6 gives us five names: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

I will be preaching on the importance of these names during Christmas at Santuck. If you miss our service on December 17th, be sure and watch it through our website santuckbaptist.org.

I pray you will be encouraged this Christmas knowing that you have a Heavenly Father that loves you so much and has given you the greatest gift of all. And He named his gift especially for you! Praying you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

From the Heart,
Pastor BR