Did you get what you wanted for Christmas? Does a single gift stand out? We all know that one person that is impossible to buy a gift for, and hopefully we aren’t that person! Gifts, both giving and receiving, play a really big part of the Christmas holiday.

What did Jesus get for Christmas? In all the frenzy to buy and give the perfect gifts to the people that matter in our lives, Jesus often doesn’t fit in. What would you buy the Son of God anyway? We don’t need a program called “Christmas is not your Birthday” to know that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday.

Throughout the Advent season and into Christmas Day we talked about following a star. The wise men followed the Star of Bethlehem and came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We all know what gold is, but why would they give gold to Jesus? And what about the other gifts? Beyond their funny names, they have very important meanings.

Join us this Sunday as we look closely at the gifts the wise men came bearing for Jesus. In so doing, we will also look at what kind of gift we might offer to Jesus in this season that celebrates his coming to earth to dwell among us. Christmas is Jesus’ birthday, and we all give him a gift, some by intent. Make the gift that you give matter and be one Jesus will treasure. This is one Sunday you do not want to miss and a perfect day to invite someone to join you! It is New Year’s Day. We’ll have only 1 service in the sanctuary at 10 AM. Can’t come in person or miss previous messages? You can still experience them via our livestream on Facebook!

Reading ahead? We encourage you to read ahead…the more you know the deeper and richer Sunday’s message will be for you. This week’s text is Matthew 2:1-12 and we’ll be doing a “deep dive” on this powerful and important text.

Don’t Forget: We will have a combined worship service on New Year’s Day at 10 AM in the sanctuary. Join us on New Year’s Eve at 11 PM for a special service of rededication called a “Watch Night Service” that dates back to the 1700’s. Ring in the new year with your Concord Church family in prayer and dedication. Please pick up your Christmas cards in the fellowship hall. 39 piles of cards sorted alphabetically by family name are still in the fellowship hall. If you’ve already picked up your cards, please check again as some are still being left (please, do NOT leave more cards. A card left today likely means we will have to mail it to the intended recipient).

You Can Volunteer! Communion servers are needed for the New Year’s Day service. If you or your family would like to volunteer, please click Here! There is a desperate need for wood which helps many people in Person County heat their homes. We will have our Wednesday Wood Chuck ministry on Wednesday January 4th from 8 AM until noon. Just meet us at the woodshed in the Christian Help Center Parking lot. No experience is necessary. Dress warm. Work gloves will be helpful.

Peace & Partnership,

Tom Newman, pastor

Concord Church, Roxboro