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 A Season of Wonder
By
Pastor Larry Bennett
At this time of year, my heart is always filled with wonder as I contemplate anew the birth of a Savior over 2,000 years ago.
Luke 2 tells the story of the birth of Jesus in such a clear, simple manner and yet imagine all that took place on that first Christmas. It all begins with the fulfillment of the prophecy found in Micah 5:2 that the Savior would be born in Bethlehem.
Joseph and Mary were dwelling in Nazareth as the time drew near for Mary to give birth to their first-born child. So God moved the heart of Caesar to issue a decree that a census would be taken throughout the Roman world. The census required that Roman citizens simply go to their place of residence to register for the census while non-Roman citizens, like Joseph and Mary, were required to return to the city of their ancestry, Bethlehem, to register. Coincidence? No. It’s the wonder of God, who would move millions of people to fulfill the prophecy concerning the birthplace of the Savior.
Next is the wonder of the birth of Jesus. Imagine, a virgin giving birth. It is beyond our comprehension. Imagine further, if you can, God taking upon Himself the form of a man. Leaving the Throne Room of Heaven with all of its majesty, to be born in a rustic, smelly stable. And all of it done for us. Such wonder!
Finally, there is the wonder of the angels’ announcement to the shepherds that the Savior had been born. It was dark and cold that night as the shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks. Suddenly a great light — the shekinah glory, the light symbolizing the presence of God — shone about the shepherds and they were afraid. Afraid because they knew they were in the presence of God. But the angel told them they did not need to be afraid
(Luke
2:10) for the angels brought the good news of the Savior being born.
Imagine what that had to mean to these shepherds that Christ, their Messiah, was born. Now, the long-awaited one was born. Now, there was hope. Now, mankind could find forgiveness of his sins. Now — God walked among men. How the hearts of the shepherds must have been filled with wonder on that first Christmas!
You know, it is so easy for Christmas to lose its wonder for us living 2,000 years later. Sometimes the Christmas season just becomes a routine that we go through every year at this time. Sometimes we become so busy, so preoccupied, so consumed by the busy-ness of the activities and demands of the holiday that Christmas loses its wonder. How do you regain that sense of wonder? Allow me to provide several suggestions:
Prepare a simple Advent wreath and gather together to read the Scripture devotions we have made available to everyone. If you didn’t receive one in your bulletin, there are copies at the Welcome Center. This will help you focus upon the birth of Jesus throughout the month of December.
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Finally, spend some time this Christmas season praising God for the birth of Jesus, just as the shepherds did 2,000 years ago
(Luke
2:20).
May God fill your heart with wonder during this Christmas season.
In Christ,
Pastor Larry Bennett
2003 in Review
Births
Makenna Nicole
Bender, daughter of Kent & Michele - 4/1/03
Francis Grey Campbell, daughter of Shawn & Lisa—10/18/03
Gabriel Christian Dannemiller, son of Dusty & Jamie - 5/27/03
Logan Dennison, son of Megan & Todd - 2/26/03
Amanda Marie Kaser, son of Todd & Adrianna - 3/10/03
Elena Virginia May, daughter of Mike & Virginia - 3/20/03
Ava Lauren Miller, daughter of Brian & Traci - 11/3/03
Ryan David Paul, son of Scott & Maggie - 7/9/03
Hannah Skye Perkowski, daughter of Tom & Cheri - 5/25/03
Emma Joy Peterson, daughter of Happy & Erin - 11/21/03
Andrew Robert Rist, son of missionaries Andy & Holly - 4/25/03
Simon Dennis Rogers, son of Dennis & Shelby - 8/23/03
Nicole Santoso, daughter of Ivan & Phyllis - 4/28/03
Luke Preston Wiery, son of Bryan and Tracey - 9/16/03
Deaths
Dick Yohe, husband of Dee Yohe
Don Spohn, husband of Brenda Spohn
Weddings
Denise Gregory to John McEwen, 7/12/03
Mindy Lautzenheiser to Rich Collier, 7/19/03
Kristin Hamman to Rick Geibel, 8/16/03
Angela Datkuliak to Kevin Fisher, 8/30/03
Linda Paulin to Dustin Albaugh, 9/12/03
Kelly Pellegrene to Ian Marin, 10/11/03
Marisa Gump to Ron Jones, 10/18/03
Stacey Tucci to Brian Wymer, 11/1/03
 PROCLAIM YOUR PRAISE!
As 2003 draws to a close, it’s a great time to pause and recall God’s many gracious blessings and answers to prayer during this past year. In the January newsletter, we would like to share your testimonies of God’s faithfulness to you or your family. If you would like to share your praises or answers to prayer, or just share how God is moving in your life, please fill out the section
in the December newsletter and turn it in to the church office by Sunday, December 21. If you have any questions, please contact Patty Fitler in the church office at (330) 494-3419 ext. 302.
 2003 TAX DEDUCTIONS
Please remember that in order to claim a charitable contribution tax deduction for 2003, it must be delivered or mailed (and postmarked) no later than December 31, 2003. Checks placed in the offering boxes during worship services in 2004 will not qualify for a deduction in 2003, even if the check is predated to 2003 or written in 2003. However, a check that is written, mailed and postmarked in 2003 will be deductible in 2003 even if it is not received by the church until 2004. If you have any questions, please call the church office at (330) 494-3419.
 Election Results for 2004 Boards
We praise God for providing the following men and women to serve on Chapel Boards for the next three years:
Deacon Board:
Bob Morlan, Nate McCartney, Paul Newmeyer, Wendell Skelley and Bob Stratton
Trustee Board:
Walt Gawron, Hank Van Hala
Missions Board:
Paul Bates, Diane Bogniard, Barb Eagleburger, Nancy Harter and Marie Stratton
Election Committee:
Bill Deem
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