By Emily Agee

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyreniu was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David: To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, you good tiding of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:1-14).

Thought for the week: “Christmas Is More”

“Christmas is more than the tinsel and it’s more than the gifts that we share, it’s more than the wreaths and the holly or snowflakes that dance in the air, more than the gladness of children, the lights and the sparkle we see, the joy and the moments of sharing the trimmings and beautiful tree. Christmas is more than the shopping the hustle and hurry and haste, more than the street corner Santa or the goodies we so love to taste. More than the heavenly music though surely it touches each heart, it even is more than the magic the season will surely impart. Christmas is faith and believing, it’s trust and it’s hope ever there, a miracle — peace everlasting the beauty we find in a prayer, it’s keeping our hearts ever loving The Christ Child we know and adore it’s angels — it’s God — it’s eternal but always Christmas is more.”

Announcements

Union Missionary Baptist Church in Clanton will sponsor its second annual Christmas Eve dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 110 Liberty St. Anyone who is elderly, sick or shut-in may call 755-9955 before Dec. 23 and leave their name, address and phone number to have a plate delivered.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of songs, scripture and prayer. The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Deacon C. McCary.

The theme of the morning message was “The Power We Need Comes From God.” We all need God’s power; that’s why we sing and preach. He will grant you according to his richness in glory.
God’s power feeds the inner man. When you fail to operate by the principles of God, you lose your power. You have to eat all the words of God to have your prayers answered. In Acts 1, He commanded not to depart from Jerusalem — wait on the power; all power comes from God.

Our sympathy goes out to the families of Mrs. Maggie Tyus, Mrs. Erthean McCary and Mr. Arthur Hubbert in their time of bereavement. Mrs. Tyus’ and Mr. Hubbert’s arrangements are incomplete as of press time. Mrs. McCary will be funeralized on Friday, Dec. 23 at 11 a.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church in Jemison. Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Sam and Vivian Hicks, Jerry Wilson, Harold Frazier, Lee Anna Worthey, Evelyn Austin, Eliza Stewart, Jeanetta Brooks and Robert Cunningham. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

—Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Thursday.