I’m doing something tomorrow that flies in the face for tradition.  In fact doing this liberates me from the norm of the day.  It’s going to put a different spin on things.  We are going to have Crab Legs instead of Turkey tomorrow! 

Somehow this isn’t right…or is it?  Both animals are not much to contributing to society; both have legs and the first Thanksgiving meal was near the beach, so I’m betting that there was some crab involved.  Some families miss the issue, it’s not to have turkey, but to eat a big dinner together and share stories / laughter / and being thankful.

This leads me to church.  Someone challenged me onetime about changing church and said “outside of the gospel, what do you hold so tight in church that you could never see that going away?”  As I thought for a second I came up with an answer then he said “that is the area of church that will become a stumbling block one day to you.”  I walked away thinking about traditions man has created in church.  Traditions are not bad, but if we can’t let them go is that good?  Open questions for you…what are some of your favorite traditions at church?

My wife and I had our 3^rd child this past weekend!  Baby Emory entered the world on Friday morning at 10:54am.  Everything went so well.  Our only concern was the drive time to Macon.  The two previous deliveries went so fast that the doctor barley made it to the room before each child was born.  The greatest fear would be for me to do the delivery at some exit on I-75.  Therefore, at first sign we headed out!!!  I was not taking any chances.

Coming to a Southside Nursery soon…

I’m so excited about my message for this Sunday that I just have to blog about it.  The title of my sermon is “Bigger Barn Disease”, and it’s taken from a story Jesus told in Luke 12::15-21.

I’ve got so much I want to say on Sunday that I don’t know if I can get it all out, so I thought I would go ahead and share one great insight from this passage today, in case I didn’t get to share it on Sunday. 

I don’t know if you’ve ever thought about it, but if you’re like me, especially in times of financial need, you have no problem asking God, “Why do I have so little?” 

Now, let me ask you this.  When things are going well financially, and you have more than you need, have you ever asked God, “God, why do I have so much?”

I bet you haven’t. 

Maybe we should though.

And here’s why.  My theory is that when God gives us extra, there is always a reason.  And the reason usually has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with someone else. 

Think about it.  And if you get a chance, e-mail me your thoughts on that.

*One last thing:  Billy has some really big news I’m sure he’ll be sharing with you soon…I wish I could say more, but I’m sworn to secrecy.

Yesterday, I promised you pictures of our Missionary Christmas.  Today, I’m delivering on that promise.  Enjoy!

Before everything started, there were several rooms filled with presents like these.

“Bring in the presents!”

This is my favorite picture from last night

It was so much fun to watch everyone open up their presents

As usual, we had a great turnout

Meet “Santa Walls”

If you didn’t come to the Missionary Christmas this year, you absolutely missed it. 

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, let me explain briefly.  Every year at this time, we take a night during our Mission’s Conference, and just overload our guest missionaries with more presents than they could ever imagine. 

Now that those of you who are new to Southside are all caught up to speed, it was that time of year again tonight, and you just need to know that we had a blast!

We started off the night singing Jingle Bells and other Christmas songs to get everyone in the mood.  After the songs had been sung, we then we asked the various families represented to find their spot on the stage and begin opening up the dozen or so presents surrounding them.  This lasted for a few minutes, but then as the presents were becoming a little scare, our pastor announced, “Bring in more presents!”  And as soon as they got the word, a team of people hauled in a huge box that was literally filled with presents for each family. 

As the various families opened up their presents, our church clapped, cheered, and even sang as Mike Driggers played some classic Christmas favorites on the piano.    

I could say more, but I don’t really want to write a book, and I’m sure you don’t want to read one.  However, I will say one final thing. 

As much as I loved seeing these precious families enjoy this whole experience, that wasn’t the highlight of my night.  The highlight of my night was being in a room full of people who love and understand what missions is all about.  I love that as a church we love missions.    

*If you want to see what happened, I’ll post some pictures soon.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed or not, but Christmas is coming.  It’s only November 8^th, but it seems that Christmas is approaching at light speed, with decorations beginning to show up in retail stores all over Middle Georgia, and advertisements coming to my house by the truckload.    

I’m sure all of you who love to shop are counting down the days to “Black Friday”, and if you aren’t, you should know that it’s only two weeks away.  And since Thanksgiving is as early this year as Thanksgiving can ever be, this only means that there will be more days to dedicate to Christmas shopping than ever. 

Of course, any day now, you’ll probably hear your first Christmas song of the season, and before you can say, “Feliz Navidad”, Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, and The Chipmunks will have completely overtaken the radio airwaves.  

Then there’s the usual activity that will begin to take place.  Attics will be emptied, cookies will be baked, Rudolph will be watched, and Santa will be used as leverage.    

It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas, if all of the above is really what Christmas is supposed to look like. 

Now, don’t misunderstand me.  I’m not preaching.  I will be the first to admit that I love all of the above and enjoy this time of year more than any other time, but at the same time, I haven’t forgotten what Christmas is all about.  And although this may be a cheesy cliché, I believe that Jesus really is the reason for the season. 

So, let’s try to remember that more than ever this year.  It won’t be easy, but it is possible. 

So, as we’re stuck in mall traffic, may we think of Jesus.  As we’re getting run over in Wal-Mart on the day after Thanksgiving, may we think of our Savior.  And as we’re running from this party to that one, may we think of the Son of God.  And may we think of Jesus, because He is Christmas.