Cradle To The Cross

As we gathered to worship Sunday, Wayne Johnson led the congregation in the Lord's Prayer. Special prayers were requested for Wayne Holly, Baby Bryant, and Jessica. Mitchell Lett asked God's blessing upon our tithes and offering, and he and Wayne served as ushers.

The stage was beautifully decorated with the sights and sounds of the season and we enjoyed our Christmas Program, "Do You Recognize Jesus?" Several members of the congregation portrayed characters in the story about a shoe cobbler who dreamed one Christmas eve that Jesus would come to visit him the next day. As he prepared for Jesus' visit, several hours passed and only an old man, a hungry old woman and a young boy lost from his parents came by his shop. As the cobbler helped each one of them, he asked Jesus why He did not come visit him. Jesus answered him by saying that He did come visit him three times and each time he helped the old man, the hungry old woman and the young boy. It was a wonderful example of what Christmas is all about, caring and sharing with others in the name of Jesus. Thanks to Terry Lett for all her work on the play and all of those who portrayed characters.

In his message for the congregation, "A Cradle to the Cross Mission," Brother Mark Hall asked, "We celebrate Christmas each year, but do we really think about why Jesus has come? He had to come to show us how much God loves us." Brother Mark read Luke 19:12. "Why did he have to die?" I Corinthians tells us He died for our sins. "Why did God let His son die for us? John 3:16 tells us why. So if Jesus has gone back to heaven, what are we supposed to do on this earth? Acts 1:8 tells us what we are to do. We are to go and witness."

Brother Mark used the children to show what missionary work looks like as they presented members in the congregation with a sack of goodies and told them God loves them. "We, the saved, are the missionaries and the one thing we need to tell people is that God loves them. It's really pretty simple."

We presented Brother Mark with a Christmas gift, Wayne Johnson gave the benediction and everyone was given a sack of goodies as they left. It was a wonderful Sunday at Mill Creek as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Mill Creek Baptist Church wishes everyone a Merry Christmas. May your new year be filled with the love of Jesus, good health and happiness. May we all share joy of the season with others throughout the coming year. We invite you to begin 2016 with us in worship on Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. Mill Creek is located 3½ miles east of Noel just off Highway 90. Everyone is welcome. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.