We continued our celebration of the Christmas season Sunday by singing traditional Christmas carols and hearing beautiful music from the handbell choir. There were decorations and lots of red and green. But some things that stood out to me were these:

You responded with enthusiasm to our new church APP, with large numbers of you already downloading it to your smart phones. It’s so easy to use and there is a lot you can do on it. You can give, sign up for activities, see the bulletin, look at upcoming events, watch or listen to the sermon, volunteer to serve in the media or children’s ministries, read my blog, open the Bible directly to the scripture for that Sunday’s sermon, and much more.

We said “thank you” to George and Sherry Smith. After nearly four years as our Children’s Pastor, George is moving to NC to pastor a church. We are thankful for his ministry with us and pray God’s choicest blessings on his future ministry.

Monieca and I grabbed a quick lunch at Wendy’s. Some of you may be surprised I eat there since I’ve been losing weight, but their large chili is only 310 calories. But that is not why lunch made my highlights. As we walked inside I was greeted by a beautiful young lady with a bright smile who gave me a big hug. She does that almost every Sunday. She’s soon to be 12 (I think) and Mary Price Pitts always brightens my day with her hugs. That hug was a highlight.

We spent nearly one hour that afternoon skyping with Jacqueline, Evan and Liam in Italy. We saw their Christmas tree and watched our grandson show off for us. Jacqueline is beginning to show with grandchild #2, whose due date is July 15. Italy…here we come! It was dinner time for them, so Evan was cooking cheeseburgers – one of Liam’s favorites.

Sunday evening Monieca and I attended her Sunday School Class Christmas Party. There was the usual – food, games, laughter, prayer. But I learned something. When it comes to Christmas carols, most of us know the tunes much better than we know the words. The highlight though was the gifts. This class provided a great Christmas for four kids being raised by their grandmother. That grandmother shed tears today when my wife presented her with the class members’ gifts.

God always uses our generosity to make a difference in people’s lives. Sometimes we are blessed to see it immediately, like in those tears. Other times, the evidence is in the future…possibly in heaven. But God is always faithful to bless when we give. Be generous in your giving to FBC this Christmas. It will make a difference in the lives of other people.

What was a highlight for you this past Sunday? Tell us about it below.

Pastor Steve Hogg