Stirred By The Scriptures

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord”

I hope you have a Merry Christmas and as you celebrate may your wonder and amazement be like that of a little child opening their first present as you ponder God’s incredible love for you.

I was part of a group of 70 or so who went caroling at the airport last night. Thanks Chuck for putting it together. It was a fascinating time of observing people as they responded to our singing. I think an airport maybe the most stress filled place there is at the holidays. Some folks just stared, some took pictures and a few sang along with us. As I left I wondered if we brightened anyone’s night? I hope so and maybe they heard the Christmas story in familiar carols which pointed them to Christ.

We are beginning a three week series called “Merry Christmas or Bah Humbug!”  We are going to look at some things I believe are joy robbers.  Struggles we all have that can suck the life out of any Christmas celebration.  I know the one that is my biggest issue (Mark says he thinks I should be the poster by for it).  As you reflect on Christmas and your preparation, what would be the “joy robber” you struggle with?

Ralph Norwood went home to be with the Lord yesterday. For those of you who don’t recognize his name, he was the founding pastor of Church at Charlotte. If there is one thing that CaC is known for today it is that we are a place where the Word of God is opened and taught and that legacy was begun by Ralph. From day one it is what he believed and practiced each week as he preached. After many years of not being in contact I had the chance to talk with him recently. We shared many thoughts, memories and healed some old wounds. We were brothers in Christ and no amount of time and distance would change that fact. God weaved our lives together for five years and I am grateful for all God has done.