Sit back, relax, and enjoy an awesome worship experience with the choir and orchestra. I want to share a HUGE “Thank you!” to Gary and each one who is participating in the presentation today. I know it has taken a great amount of your time and energy during a season that is already full with lots of extra things to do, but what you are sharing is making our season so much brighter.
Most of you missed a truly wonderful concert last Sabbath afternoon with the Napa Christian High School Choir. Even several of their own choir members were not able to make it and those that did sang to a very small group, but I can assure you that they did a very, very fine job. Ten voices put out an amazing sound and we were so proud of them and appreciative of the quality of music that comes from our students. I think we need to have our Christmas concerts in October or March when we’re not all so busy!
Now we are truly into the peak of the Holiday Season and the regular scheduling is pretty much out the window. The church office is closed and will be open again after the first of the year. My standard practice for the staff is to tell them to do whatever work they need to do and encourage them to spend as much time with family as possible. We all want you to know, however, that we are fully available for your needs at any time. If you or a family member is in the hospital we absolutely want to know about it. If you need pastoral care, please do not hesitate to call one of us. We are never too busy to care about you.
YOU CAN'T STEAL
MY CHRISTMAS
Poem by Sharon Steege
I don't know who they are
Saying I can't greet the crowd
The way that I want to
Can't say CHRISTMAS out loud.
I walk into a business place
See things that I rather not see
But dare I not say CHRISTMAS
And ask for a "holiday" tree.
What happened to freedom of speech
And living in the land of the free
How can they take my CHRISTMAS money
But can't say MERRY CHRISTMAS to me.
Men and women have given their lives
So we could still go free
I wonder how they would feel
At saying "HOLIDAY" TREE.
Come on AMERICA let's wake up
Don't let our freedom escape
If they get by with doing this
What else will they take.
This is starting to get out of hand,
And I've begun to keep track
Well I've just about had enough
I'M TAKING CHRISTMAS BACK.
So MERRY CHRISTMAS AMERICA
I hope this gets all over the net
If we all stand united and take freedom back
'Twill be our best CHRISTMAS YET!
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!
That was shared with me by Arlene Taylor and I thought I’d share it with you this Sabbath before Christmas.
Sometimes we try to be so politically correct that we end up standing for nothing because we’re afraid we’ll offend someone. I certainly want to be sensitive and it is never, ever my intent to offend, but this is a very special celebration. Can I never celebrate the 4th of July for fear of offending the British? One told me that they celebrate it too because we’re gone! I think he was kidding. Right? So, don’t hold back. Wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. And keep a wish from us for yourself as well.
