Good Tidings Of Joy

Terry and Rick Lett were celebrating their wedding anniversary and Steve Mason was celebrating a birthday as we gathered to worship Sunday morning at Mill Creek Baptist Church. Our sanctuary was beautifully decorated for the Christmas season. Special prayers were requested for Velma Blake, Debbie Taylor, Clyde Moss and the troops who won't be home for Christmas. We recognized and thanked Brother Mark and Shelley. We appreciate them and the Lord's work they do at Mill Creek.

Linda Abercrombie gave the devotional and read an old German story, "The Story of the Christmas Guest." It was a story of a sad Christmas alone without loved ones, but we always have Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior as our guest. The story talked about Conrad's guests, a beggar, a child and an old woman. All three were Jesus Christ.

The congregation sang "Joy to the World," led by Becky Johnson and Karen Gardner. Tyrel Lett asked God's blessing upon the offering and he and Rick Lett served as ushers.

We were so blessed to have Jamey Cope and his band of 'good ole' boys' from the Whittenburg Church share hymns of praise and country/bluegrass music with us for our morning service. It was wonderful.

Pastor Mark Hall gave a short message from Luke, chapter 2, as he talked about the angels bringing the shepherds good tidings of joy about the birth of Jesus. Brother Mark told us we should be full of joy all through the year as we are all "debt free."

"We all have had a sin debt that can't be paid, no matter how much money we make or how many payments we make. The reason we have joy is that Jesus paid the debt for us forever. The number one reason for great tidings of joy is that we are debt free. Jesus is the reason for the season. Our sin debt is paid."

The congregation joined in singing "Joy to the World," and Wayne Holly gave the benediction. We presented the widows in our congregation with a special gift, and everyone received a sack of fruit and old-fashioned candy. Sunday afternoon and evening food baskets were delivered to several.

We invite you to worship with us on Christmas Eve morning at 11 a.m. and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a new year full of God's blessings. Begin 2018 worshiping Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Everyone is welcome at Mill Creek Baptist Church, located 3 1/2 miles east of Noel, just off Highway 90.