Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, December 4, 2022
In 1868, standing on the hills of Palestine, looking down on the town of Bethlehem, Philip Brooks wrote the words to O Little Town of Bethlehem. A line from the song says, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”
Bethlehem, where fear walked the streets, became the birthplace of hope.
Christmas is God’s assurance to a frightening world that God is with us.
If the darkness of fear is controlling your life, you can step into the light of God’s love by making Jesus the leader of your life. The words you have been longing for, do not be afraid, can be heard today.
Jamey
Prayer of the Week
Merciful God, you see all our fears and love us anyway. You know what our fears have done to us, and you still chose to be Immanuel, God with us. Our prayers come from a place entangled with disappointment. Into our troubled and fearful souls come Lord Jesus. Amen.
(Pre-recorded online worship from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia)
The messenger carries the message that no one is forgotten.
Healing is found when the pain of living with my brokenness becomes greater than the fear of others finding out that I am not as put together as I appear.
Christmas Recipe
Below is Susan Daniells’ mother’s Hot Chicken Soufflé recipe
(In her mother’s handwriting)
Everyone has a favorite dessert, side dish, or main course for Christmas. So why keep it to yourself? Share it below, and I will include it in my newsletter during December. Make sure you sign your name at the end of the recipe. We want to celebrate those special meals together.
Matching Christmas pajamas, reading the Christmas story, going Christmas caroling, and watching the movie Elf. Everyone has a favorite Christmas tradition. So why not share it with us and inspire someone to start a new tradition? Share below a brief description of your favorite Christmas tradition and sign your name.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
Dad was sent to the hospital due to a peekaboo accident. They put him in ICU!
What do you call a snowman with a six-pack? An abdominal snowman.
(Got a Dad joke? Don’t be a chicken….share it!)
Photo of the Week (Photos taken by me)
Book I am Reading This Week
God Is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Listen to Dolly Parton’s Story about bear drinking gasoline (Start at the 7:20 mark)
INTERESTING ARTICLES, PODCASTS, OR VIDEOS FROM THE WEEK
Youtube: Neighbors "adopt" elderly woman after she lost husband and home
Podcast: How The Evangelical Machine Got Made
Luke is in a maximum security prison. He wants to be an Episcopal priest.
Meet the Winners of the 2022 Good Dog Photo Contest
Mother’s Love Has Granted 250,000 Wishes for Foster Kids–And Now She Surprised 9 With New Cars
Looking for something to read in 2023?
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Thursday, December 15 / 6pm / Chapel of Gainesville First UMC
Advent and Christmas can be overwhelming when we are faced with illness, grief or loneliness. Such challenges can make it difficult to share in holiday cheer. Yet part of the wonder of Christmas is that God chooses to be present with us in our suffering. Join us for this time of reflective worship with candlelight and communion as we seek God’s peace and light in the darkness.
Happening Around North Georgia
Christmas Market at Flowery Branch Farmers Market
The market opens at 3:30 pm
Santa & Mrs. Clause 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Live Music 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
God, make me more than perfect.
Make me more than a job or role,
or what I had planned for my golden years.
Make me something less predictable
than my to-do lists
and daily calendar.
In this culture of more, more, more,
make me less.
Less tidy and afraid,
less polished and buttoned up,
less prideful and judgmental.
Turn down the volume of my expectations,
and let me hear the birds sing
another lovely truth:
I am deeply and wholly loved.
I am beautiful and somehow delightful
even as I am unfinished.
This blessing is from new book of blessings, The Lives We Actually Have by Kate Bowler