Our Internet Christmas Card
Click the picture above to view our internet Christmas card. Remember to turn the card on when the site opens. Feel free to turn the card off when you are done.
Merry Christmas,
The Gallaghers
A Preacher’s Christmas Wish-list
Have you ever wondered what to get your preacher for Christmas? I am sure you have, in fact, I bet you were out shopping this morning for that perfect preacher gift. I want to help you out today and share seven items from every preacher’s wish-list. Give them a look and see what gift you can give today.
By the way, many preachers will not forward this because they feel it might be egotistical, but you can forward it!
Seven Items from a Preacher’s Wish-list:
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Unity - "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" (Psalm 133.1; ESV)
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A Godly Vision – "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4.17-18; ESV)
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Remember the Forgotten – "For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me." (Matthew 26.11; ESV) Jesus ascended from the earth and left His followers to be the shining light. Have you remembered the poor? (Psalm 41.1)
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Working Members – "But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1.22; ESV) Volunteer to participate in an area of work in the congregation. It is time we work instead of wish. It is time for the brethren to step up, instead of sitting down. Become active and live the promise of Galatians 6.9.
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Encouraging brethren – "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10.24-25; ESV)
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Listen to the Message – "Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings." (Isaiah 51.7; ESV) We all know that God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are greater than our ways, but are we listening to His words? Listen and draw near to God.
Begin building your faith by actively listening to the message . -
Get Broken – "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice." (Psalm 51.7-8; ESV) David was broken after his sin with Bathsheba and he needed to be broken by God to be made whole again. Break yourself free from sin, or ask God to break you.
Just some thoughts,
A New Black Friday Tradition
As shoppers knock one another over on the quest for the next breakable toy purchase, our family decided to stay home and shop online. Last year we bought 90% of our gifts online and had them shipped. What a shopping experience.
Last year we began a new holiday tradition and this year we have decided to make is a new Black Friday tradition. This year, our children (with some help) bought a flock of chickens and a goat for Christmas!
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What not take some time away from your holiday shopping and give a goat or send some chickens!
Go to Bread for a Hungry World and donate today! You can make a difference…one goat or chicken at a time!
I challenge you to start a new Black Friday tradition with our family!
Just some thoughts,
Merry Christmas!
The Gallagher Family wishes you a very Merry Christmas! We pray your blessings today are seen as an opportunity to bless others.
To my Minister Friends:
- Spend time with your family today and speak from your heart on Sunday. Let the Word that dwells in you become your words. Let the thoughts of a blessed life rule your message on Sunday morning.
Just some thoughts,
Chris
December 26 and Matthew 25
The morning silence was broken when six feet, carrying our three children, made their way downstairs to see what “magically” appeared overnight. With each step, their bodies began to move faster and the sleepiness began to fade from their eyes. Reaching the fourth step from the bottom, they were able to see the tree and the surprises which lay underneath. Their eyes opened wide and filled with the sparkles of a Christmas morning. The presents under the tree brought smiles to their innocent faces and the annual tearing of the paper was about begin!
What happened next seems to take place every year; Santa leaves about two presents for each child and those are the first to be seen and held. After a brief moment, the focus turns to the wrapped ones; the ones from Mom and Dad. Without a word, each child begins to pass out the gifts for everyone but themselves. They want to see what everyone else got, more than what was given to them. I am amazed and excited by their gift of giving, but more amazed at what God was given us.
The presents under the tree were not attained by human achievement, but they were given as a gift from the Father of Lights. (James 1.17) While Carrie and I may have spent hours in the stores, clicking online stores and even searching for the gifts, they are not possible without the God of Heaven!
Every Christmas I am reminded of a short parable speaking a GIANT truth, known as the “Parable of the Talents.” The verse that brings the most significance to my life is this:
“For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance.” (Matthew 25.29; ESV)
Jesus’ words are spoken as the result of the lazy servant. The one talent man was entrusted with a gift from the master and never used it. Instead, because of fear, he hid the gift and never put it to use. Granted, the gifts at Christmas time are not the same as the ones in Matthew 25, but shouldn’t we use the gifts that we have been given?
Just asking and thinking. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day!
Just my thoughts,
Chris
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