4 Stages of Life

You believe in Santa Claus
You don’t believe in Santa Claus
You are Santa Claus
You look like Santa Claus

Graduation

Brian and Allison at OC Graduation on December 14.

The Christmas Story

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."

So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."
--Matthew 1:18 - 2:23 New International Version

My Christmas Wish List....for Christmas Dinner

Have you made your Christmas Wish List yet? I really don't have anything that I want this Christmas except the most important part of the holidays.....dinner. Here's my list Deb..............

1. Ham
2. Scalloped Potatoes (Craig's favorite)
3. Fried Apples
4. Home made Bread (I will make the bread)
5. Green bean Casserole (Church of Christ Favorite)
6. Boiled Custard
7. Peanut Brittle
8. Carrot Cake
9. Stuffing
10. The most important item....A long winters nap!

Merry Christmas!

Order of Worship

Welcome

Joy To The World

O Come, All Ye Faithful

Silent Night, Holy Night

Prayer

O Little Town Of Bethlehem

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

Message by Gary Souder

Reading

Invitation

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Why Did My Savior Come To Earth

Communion

Contribution

Go, Tell It On The Mountain

The Blessing of Christmas

One of my favorite comments on the holidays came in a sermon that Bob Russell preached once. He said, "It is a rare person who, when their cup overflows, can stop and give thanks without complaining about the size of the mug."

No matter how bad one's life is...they are blessed. Do you agree?

Happy Holidays!

Feeding of the Flock

Today is the day that Debbie and I enjoy. It's our Christmas Open House for USD 420. We cook and prepare for weeks and feed all of our school employees. It's a great time, but one that is a huge undertaking. I appreciate Deb's hard work in planning and preparing all the food.

I really understand how the disciples must have felt when the crowd became hungry in Matthew 14.

By the way....we did not serve my catfish!

Baby, Do You Know?

Baby, Do You Know?
by Rubel Shelly

Baby in a manger, do you know how far you traveled to be here tonight? Do you remember what you left behind? Do you realize that you created the world you are visiting? Do you know you made the universe you passed through to get here? Can you possibly have any idea tonight of the price you will pay for coming to Earth? Tiny baby, do you know that there have been rumors about your mother because of your birth? Is your sleep distrubed tonight by the knowledge that those rumors will haunt you throughout your stay among men?

Do you know what agony Joseph went through before he decided to claim you and to let you be known as "the carpenter's son"? Baby, can you tell me the identity of your real Father? Can you say his name?Do you know that your six-month-old cousin John will become a preacher, too? Are you aware that you will some day ask him to baptize you? Do you realize that he wil die by having his head cut off? Do you know that shepherds who live nearby are on their way to see you tonight? Do you chuckle that angels you knew in heaven sent them to find you? Baby, are you aware that Magi from a great distance are already traveling this way in search of you? Do you know what gifts they will present you when they arrive a few months from now?

Do you know already who will love you before they have even heard of you or seen you? Holy child, do you recognize any of these names: Anna? Peter? Herodias? James? Pilate? Do these places make you think of anything tonight: Egypt? Bethany? Jacob's well? Golgotha? Do you realize what is at stake for the entire human race with regard to your birth? Is it still in your mind that your coming signals the moment of decision for every one of us? Do you know where Jerusalem is? Can you possibly have any idea of what awaits you in that city? Do you want to go there? Are you anxious to get it over -- and go back home?

Do you know me? Are you aware that I love you? Do you know tonight that you have been born to be my savior? Does it register for you now that my life will be directed at every critical juncture by halting and imperfect attempts to do your will? Do you know that we will be together in heaven forever? Baby in Bethlehem, newborn from Mary's womb tonight, do you know who you are?

Can you possibly have any idea tonight of the price you will pay for coming to Earth?

The YP/College Christmas Party/Devo

On Sunday night, the Young Professional/College Class had our class Christmas Party and Devotional at the Souder’s. What a great time we had laughing, sharing, eating and singing. Gary and Ruthann always make the holiday party a fun and enjoyable evening.

We had a great crowd and enjoyed some good focus time on what Christmas should be all about. The Christmas story is one that is told each year but one that is forgotten very shortly after the holidays.

I pray that you will find a way to keep the story of Christmas alive each and every day. Maybe it’s by giving to someone that doesn’t have what we have. Maybe it’s giving some time or listening to the troubles and heartaches that many have during this time of the year. Maybe it’s reconciling with someone.

The aspect of joy and peace are important in the Christmas story. May God richly bless you and instill within you the blessing of the season.

A Milestone

Where does time go? Twenty-two years ago in York, Nebraska, God blessed Debbie and I with our first son, Brian. God has definitely been with Brian throughout his entire life. At the age of 12, we about lost him from an infection caused by a ruptured appendix. He still deals with health issues as a result of two surgeries and three weeks in the hospital. He was told by the doctors that he would never be able to play sports, but by his junior year in high school he was given the clearance to play the sport he loved, basketball. God then was with him as he went on to Oklahoma Christian University and met Allison and got to play JV basketball. Friday, after 3 1/2 years, Brian graduated. It was an exciting day for Brian and our family. We really didn't know if he would reach this milestone when he was 12 years old as he was lying in a hospital bed. We praise God for all that He has done in his life.

God continues to bless Brian today. Brian has always had a desire to be in law enforcement and will begin his career tomorrow as a Deputy Sheriff in Anderson County Kansas. As parents, we are so proud of his pursuit of his education, his desire to serve people in the career that he has chosen, his special girl at OC and his love for God.

Joy to the World

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

A Christmas Reflection

"It might be easy to run away to a monastery, away from the commercialization, the hectic hustle, the demanding family responsibilities of Christmas-time. Then we would have a holy Christmas. But we would forget the lesson of the Incarnation, of the enfleshing of God—the lesson that we who are followers of Jesus do not run from the secular; rather we try to transform it. It is our mission to make holy the secular aspects of Christmas. And we do this by being holy people—kind, patient, generous, loving, laughing people—no matter how maddening is the Christmas rush…"


Andrew Greely

Ice Storm

Please be praying for the 500,000 Oklahoma residents without power. This ice storm could be one of the worst ever.

Holy Wonder

The shepherds were overwhelmed at the angel's announcement. They experienced holy wonder.

How can you engage in holy wonder? Maybe that means you stop in the middle of your shopping, sit down, and read the Christmas story. Maybe that means you gather your children around a Nativity scene each night and unwrap a different piece and talk about the role it plays in the Christmas story. Maybe that means you wake up early one morning and find a place you can watch the sun rise as you meditate on Luke 1:79.

The work of holy wonder is treasuring and pondering the fact that God invaded planet Earth on a perilous rescue mission. Amidst all the activity, stop and treasure all these things. Ponder them in your heart. Engage in some holy wonder.

Mark Mitchell

Sunday AM Services Cancelled

Because of the slick roads and sidewalks morning services have been cancelled. Evening services currently are still scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

Letter from Jesus about Christmas

Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town. Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am Jesus and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember : I LOVE YOU,

JESUS

Bible School Teachers

Last night, as I sat in Bible Class, I couldn’t stop thinking about how blessed we are at Central to have good Bible Teaching.

I appreciate Evan and Carl sharing their hearts and God’s Word each week. I appreciate Kathy and her ministry volunteers working with our children. Thank you Nathan for sharing the message of Christ with our teens.

Many congregations our size can’t find enough teachers to fill all the teaching positions. We are truly blessed to have many quality teachers.

Encourage them. Pray for them. Build them up.

The main component of a successful Church is the teaching ministry that takes place.

My Daily Prayer

Dear God:

So far today, I have done all right.
I have kept my mouth shut.
I have not gossiped, yelled or lost my temper.
I have not been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or over-indulgent.
I am glad about that.
But in a few minutes, God, I am getting out of bed.
From then on,
I'm probably going to need a lot of help.
Thank you.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Get Ready...Christmas is Coming

The month of December! For a school administrator, we call it the “15 longest days of the year” because of the many Christmas activities we have each day and night. Looking at my calendar, I have an activity each evening. From the traditional K-5 Christmas Program, 6-8 Holiday Concert, three holiday band concerts and a high school holiday choir concert, a jazz band holiday concert, a high school basketball tournament that is a week long, junior high basketball games, curriculum meetings, a board meeting, site council meetings and the feeding of the 125 (Debbie and I hosting and cooking for our annual Christmas Open House for our staff)…..It seems to go on and on and on. On Friday, December 21 at 3:20, when the final school bell rings, I usually then begin to get in the Christmas spirit.

I have had a tradition of working late the last day of school. I make sure all the buses get the kids home safely, teachers and staff are out of the buildings, principals are gone and custodians are locking up the facilities. After all that is done, I walk the halls at the schools and listen to the quiet.

December can be such a hectic and stressful time for people. Especially children. The kids today have so many uncertainties in their lives. Many have no idea who they will be spending Christmas with. Will it be mom who lives here or dad who lives in Kansas City? Will I get any presents this year? Dad doesn’t have a job and mom is sick and the hospital bills are piling up. Or dad is in jail and they have no idea where they will be. These are just a few of the challenges I think about during this time of year. It is difficult to be festive and cheery with those that love the holidays when you see so many that are hurting and hate this time of year.

What can we do? Prayer and giving are the magic ingredients to bless someone's life during the holidays. Here in Osage City, a small community, we have many challenges. Poverty is our biggest concern. The school, individuals, even our kids adopt families this time of year so everyone can be given a special Christmas. I am overwhelmed by the generosity that I see from our kids and staff as they pour out their hearts for families in need. Our annual high school Christmas Formal brings toys galore to kids in our community that wouldn’t receive anything under the tree if it weren’t for that special project.

Several members at Central will be in need during this season. What can we do? Pray and give. Be Christ-like and bless someone else. Adopt a family.

As I walk the halls that last day, I always thank God for giving me so many blessings. I am thankful that he has blessed me with so many physical and spiritual blessings. It’s my responsibility to give back and touch lives like Christ has done for me.

The countdown begins…………

The Hoppers

Yesterday afternoon I took Debbie to hear her favorite Southern Gospel group The Hoppers and singer Kim Hopper. It was a great three hour concert. Debbie loved the concert and got to meet her favorite singer. You probably remember her and the family if you watch the Gaither Homecoming videos. The Hoppers are famous for the song Jerusalem and Shoutin' Time. Powerful songs. They had the crowd pumped up all evening.