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 Holiday Worship Guide:
Rush Rush Rush…'Tis the season
By Lead Pastor, Larry
Crawford
Open Arms Christian Fellowship
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[December 19, 2014]
Rush
Rush Rush…tis the season…Sometimes we get so busy getting ready to
celebrate (we just have to get everything done) we miss experiencing
and celebrating the most important moment (s). These moments come,
as quickly as they come they go, and often never return.
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 There is a story in the Bible about two women: Mary and Martha,
friends of Jesus. Martha welcomed Jesus into her home and then got
very busy with preparations; making sure everything was just
right…you know all those last minute details. The Bible says,
“Martha was distracted with much serving…” But her sister Mary was
sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to His Word. Martha got mad and
complained to Jesus. Jesus told Martha – “you are worried and
troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has
chosen that good part, which will not be taken from her.” The word
translated worried means “to divide into parts suggesting a
distraction, preoccupation with things causing anxiety, stress and
pressure.” Does that sound like your Christmas season…your life…you?
 I want to encourage you to choose the “good part.” This Christmas
take time to experience and celebrate the moment(s). You know the
“good parts” – when your child pulls at your pants leg, interrupting
you, so they can sit on your lap or squeeze you really tight;
looking into the eyes of the one you love a little longer; the
moment in the midst of all your shopping to stop – smile and say a
genuine "Hi" to the cashier at the store, the waitress at the
restaurant, the people whose paths you cross. This Christmas take a
moment and call the loved one you have not spoken to for years
because of something that happened a long time ago…take a moment and
forgive…let it go. Take a moment and say, “I love you” to the ones
you hold so dear. Take a moment and visit the elderly person in the
nursing home; the aging parents or grandparents, and friends. Take a
moment to play; a moment to pray; a moment to laugh; a moment to
remember; a moment to hear.
Thanks for taking a moment to read this. Please know this today: You
are so loved (by God) and others. Your life matters! It matters so
much God gave His only Son to die for us (you and I) so our sins can
be forgiven and we can receive a fresh start. If you would like to
hear more about the “good part” please join us any given Sunday at
9:30 a.m. or contact us at (217) 732-4800, or email me personally at
pastorlarry@oacflincoln.com. We love you and are praying for you to
experience and celebrate many great moments this season and every
season.
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