Monday Moment

It's Christmas week! Can you believe it?! I sorta can but then not really! It sure has been cold so that's helped me get in the spirit of things. But weather can only do so much. As well as all of my decorations that have been up for a while now along with presents underneath the tree. Yesterday was a Christmas celebration at Fairview and that is what ultimately put me over the top and makes it truly feel like Christmas. Because a focus on Jesus is what makes Christmas Christmas. Right? 

I won't dissect everything or this will turn into a book but there were so many highlights I'll just share those and then you can kick back and watch online when it gets up. Trust me, it'll be worth it. 

The past month worship at 11 has been next level. I've loved the mixture of Christmas and worship songs. I say all the time, church is about the scripture being preached. It's the focal and most important part of worship. It just is. But Eddie will tell you, it's easy to preach behind great worship music. It sets a tone (I also think lighting does that and I'm a fan of dark) and sets the table so to speak. Thank you to Cross Talk for doing what you do. 

We are loaded with musicians and we had the privilege of hearing from Marnie Daniel yesterday. She flat out killed it. She sings beautifully but for stage presence, she gets a perfect score as well. By the end of that I could've run a few laps. But I didn't...everyone calm down. =)

This guy. Well you probably think I brag too much. I'd say I don't brag enough. Wilson Nelson was right. It was one of the best Christmas messages I've heard. With a Christmas tree and a cross set before us, Eddie gave us thoughts on the tree, the lights, the star or angel on top, and the presents. 

We were encouraged to shine our light as believers. Light dispels darkness, not shouting. It gives direction. 

The wise men saw the star and followed. Many today know, but choose not to follow. 

Like angels we are called to be messengers of the good news. 

And then the presents. The perfect gift reflects the nature of the giver and it meets the need of the recipient. Salvation reflects how much God loves us and it meets our every need. None of us deserve it but we are all desperate for it. Salvation is eternal. It won't wear out, go out of style or break. 

Our service ended with the father/son team Tom and Ryan Burns singing O Holy Night! It was incredible!! Also a favorite at Christmas time. 

Rise did a Christmas Night of Worship! Morgan Bryant, Kieffer Mendoza, Cale Gray, and Caleb Massey were on fire!  

It's not easy to put into words what that service was like. I can just tell you that I was sobbing at times, couldn't stop smiling at times, had glory bumps start to finish and was overwhelmed by the presence of the Spirit that was undeniable. Eddie and I were slack jawed. Yes at their giftedness, but mainly at how 4 leaders who rarely lead together just come together and do what they do. It was simply beautiful, like watching art created. I doubt the room or the people will ever be the same. 

We are just astounded and believing God for what He has in store for this group. We broke into groups to pray and to hear prayers going up as they yielded what they want for what God wants and just praying for the reminder of why they do what they do and God's will was just powerful. Honestly just never been part of anything quite like this and it's precious and dear. The humility of all of them, from leaders to volunteers, is worth celebrating in a day where ego and pride is the norm.